Another one bites the dust
The branded motherboard business isn't finished shrinking, at least not according to supply chain makers in Taiwan chirping in Digitimes' ear. They say that Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) will no longer actively market its own-brand DIY motherboards, choosing instead to focus its efforts on ODM and OEM production.
If you've ever purchased a pre-built system from an OEM builder before, you may have used an ECS board without realizing it. That's been the company's bread and butter, though it also catered to the DIY crowd with branded boards. At times ECS made a run at enthusiast buyers with high-end offerings, but for the most part, ECS is known as a budget brand.
Going forward, it's one less name you'll see in the marketplace. ECS made the decision based on shrinking global demand and increased price competition from Asus and Gigabyte, the two top dogs in the motherboard business.
According to those same sources, another motherboard maker is expected to quit selling branded boards sometime next year. They didn't mention which one, but did say that ASRock, MSI, and Biostar are facing similar situations (reduced demand) as ECS.
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From maximumpc
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