In an attempt to gain an edge in the competitive motherboard market, Asustek Computer and Gigabyte Technology have already unveiled motherboards featuring the new Intel P45 chipset for media review, as they gear up for the official June 2008 launch of the P45.
 
Intel reportedly will officially launch its 4-series chipsets at Computex 2008, while motherboard makers will start shipping products later that month.
 
However, Gigabyte's good sales performance in motherboard equipped with Intel 965 and P35 chipsets have brought significant competitive pressure on Asustek and both companies are circulating P45 boards for media reviews.
 
As the P45 will have a long product life cycle of 18-24 months, the product is expected to be a crucial revenue driver for leading Taiwan-based makers of motherboards, the sources indicated. Although the summer is a traditional off-season period, the launch of the P45 may cause an increase in demand for motherboards in retail markets beginning June 2008, the sources added.