First-tier motherboard makers Asustek Computer, Gigabyte Technology, Micro-Star International (MSI) and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) are all aggressively placing orders to avoid the shortages causing any impact on their motherboard shipments.

Currently, motherboard MLCCs are mainly supplied by Walsin Technology Corporation (WTC) and Yageo, while solid capacitors are supplied by Sanyo Electric and Chemi-con. LAN connectors are supplied by Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), the sources noted.

Since the labor shortages are expected to improve significantly after April, while the motherboard market will have entered the slow season by then, the tight supply of components should improve, the sources noted. However, component makers are concerned that their performance will be affected in the second quarter as the first-tier motherboard makers may stop orders suddenly to prevent inventory buildups.