Earlier this year we heard rumors that Abit would be exiting the motherboard business at the end of the year, following continually disappointing sales, to instead focus on making consumer devices such as digital picture frames with printing capabilities and other photo related products. The company quickly moved to dispel such rumors but industry sources far and wide maintained that abit’s motherboard departure was inevitable.

Now, as we near the end of 2008, TweakTown reports that the once leading-edge manufacturer is not only set to exit the motherboard business but apparently will close its doors altogether on December 31. The site doesn’t break down the decision, allegedly made by parent company USI, but mentions abit’s questionable management practices and deflection of key staff as main reasons for their sad downfall. This is, of course, a rumor for now, but it’s one that doesn’t seem to be out of the realms of possibility.