Unusually strong first quarter for microprocessor shipments

Outlook for the rest of the year looks decent, says IDC

Worldwide PC microprocessor shipments were surprisingly strong in the first quarter of 2011, according to industry analyst IDC.

Compared to the first quarter of 2010, shipments were up 7.4 per cent.

"The first quarter, which is usually weak, was strong in terms of unit shipments," said Shane Rau, director of semiconductors research at IDC.

"Generally, the demand environment for the second half of this year looks decent. The Japan earthquake and tsunami had minor effects on the PC supply chain," he added.

IDC forecast that unit shipments for microprocessors in 2011 will grow 10.3 per cent when compared to 2010, and market revenue for the year will grow 17.6 per cent to nearly £26bn.