Processor shipments fall

Global PC microprocessor shipments saw a decisive fall during the last quarter of calendar 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, raising speculation of tough times to follow.

Market researcher IDC has released figures show that processor shipments and market revenue declined by 17 and 18 per cent respectively.

“The decline in PC processor unit shipments in the fourth quarter was the worst sequential decline since IDC started tracking processor shipments in 1996,” said IDC’s director of semiconductors, Shane Rau. “After hinting at a decline last September, the market fell of a cliff in October and November.”

IDC expects the decline of processor shipments to continue in to the next quarter.