Palit Microsystems, a maker of computer components from Hong-Kong known primarily for its graphics cards, has quietly started to offer mainboards on its web-site. In addition, according to rumours published in a hardware bulletin board, Gainward, a wholly owned subsidiary of Palit, may also enter the motherboard market.

Nowadays the market of computer mainboards is not as crowded as it used to be, as because of the aggressive market expansion strategy of large mainboard makers smaller second- and third-tier manufacturers had to withdraw from the business. However, from time to time one or another computer components supplier tests the waters of the motherboard market seeking for additional revenue sources. This seems to be the case with Palit and, perhaps, its daughter company Gainward.

Currently Palit’s lineup of mainboards consists of three mainboards for Intel Socket 775 processors based on Intel P35 and Intel 945GC chipsets as well as two motherboards for AMD’s AM2 microprocessors based on Nvidia nForce chipsets. All the mainboards, except the Intel P35-based one, are aimed at low-cost personal computers, therefore, their main advantages will be their price, not exclusive technologies.

In addition, OCWorkBench hardware forum has published a picture of what it claims to be an Intel P35-based motherboard from Gainward. The authenticity of the image could not be verified, but it seems to be a copy of Intel P35A mainboard from Palit with Gainward’s logotype located on the surface of Ethernet port.

Neither Gainward, nor Palit are known for mainboards, therefore, their success on this new market is not imminent. Gainward is primarily known for high-performance graphics cards and adding an affordable mainboard into its lineup will not improve its business in any way.

Officials for Palit and Gainward did not comment on the news-story.