Taiwan update: Graphics chips hit harder.

The Taiwan earthquake may have inflicted less damage on chip and computer facilities than originally forecast, but it is becoming clear that certain segments such as graphics chips will be affected more than others. Although it is still impossible to quantify the damage with precision, some analysts are cautiously estimating that the net effect on the PC supply chain is a disruption of a few weeks. An executive from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the world_s largest chipmakers, said the company has returned to full power today. "In many respects, we_re ahead of where we expected to be," said Magnus Ryde, president of TSMC North America. TSMC today stated that 70 percent of its semiconductor wafer process equipment has been "released" for production. A spokesman said the company_s production equipment recovery has improved to 70 percent from yesterday_s 50 percent. It is expected to reach 80 percent tomorrow, the company added. Ryde reported mostly "very limited" damage but added that crucial quartz tubes used in some of the chip production equipment had been rendered inoperable, citing this as an example of an isolated but relatively serious problem. He expected these tubes to be fixed quickly with replacements and that work on the tubes is "happening as we speak."