motherboard makers may have collectively passed their peak

In econ class you learn about supply and demand and it would seem that too much supply has created a "cut throat" narrow market condition. Motherboards are still needed it just becomes difficult to explore new directions without knowing if you will turn a profit first.
"Long-term decline in revenue growth

Excluding a recovery between November 2001 and October 2002, year-on-year growth in monthly revenues has steadily declined, hitting a 12-month moving average of only 1.7% in January.

While the data is not complete, the numbers do not look good.

The data only includes unconsolidated revenues of 18 first, second and third-tier players. Some companies, such as Asustek Computer, report revenues from their China operations separately."

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