Chinese and Taiwanese makers of computer hardware now manufacture the majority of PC components we use. They constantly improve efficiency of their designs and manufacturing process in order to keep the price on the lowest possible level and to tell you the truth they greatly succeeded in it. More and more complex hardware for personal computers usually costs less than the previous generation of the same devices. Even so big companies like Intel and ATI Technologies do not make their mainboards and graphics cards on their own fabs nowadays, but order them from large contract manufacturers, such as, Foxconn Electronics, Mitac, ASUSTeK, PC Partner and some others. Needless to say that loads of Asian hardware makers also collaborate to offer broader product lines and attract attention of potential clients by low prices. If a company cannot develop a product with low cost, it sometimes outsources manufacturing to other makers, who can offer cheaper services. For instance, almost all graphics cards are made according to a reference design, hence, there is no difference between them for end-users, who want to get quality product at affordable price. Another story is about mainboards: almost all makers boast that just their devices support never before seen features and provide loads of advantages over rivals. In other words, mainboard makers claim that their devices are unique.

Well, today we noticed that not all mainboard are so unique, as we believe. For instance, certain mainboards from EPoX and FIC resemble each other like twins.

Please, have a look: FIC AU11 Chameleon and EPoX EP-8RDA+ powered by NVIDIA nForce2:

Although there are minor differences, you surely notice that in general the PCBs have very much in common.

Another example of the “similarity” are VIA KT400-based mainboards FIC AN19E Stealth and EP-8K9A2/+:

Minor differences again, but both products look suspiciously coherent.

What does it all mean? Decide yourself, while we are waiting for official responses from the mentioned companies.