FRAMINGHAM, MA – Worldwide PC microprocessor shipments slowed significantly in the first quarter of 2008, down 9.2% sequentially, says research firm IDC.

Shipments of desktop PC processors led the decline, down 11.9%. Processors for mobile PCs and servers were down 5.9% and 6% respectively compared to the fourth quarter.

"Total worldwide market shipments tend to decline from fourth quarter to first quarter because of seasonal demand patterns," said IDC spokesman Shane Rau, according to published reports. "However, the sequential decline in unit shipments from 4Q07 to 1Q08 was more than the –6-7% decline we typically see. As we indicated in our outlook last quarter, economic concerns in the U.S. and the effects on corporate and consumer systems purchases meant a stronger sequential decline in 1Q08," he said.

With average selling prices increasing less than 2% sequentially, overall market revenue declined 7.5%, slightly more than the typical decrease for the period.

Intel made strides over AMD in the first quarter, earning 78.9% of the market share, up 2.2%. AMD had 20.9% of the market share, down 2.2%, says IDC.

IDC predicts a sequential decline of approximately 5% for the second quarter.

"Processor shipments in the second quarter of a year are typically at their lowest point for the whole year," noted Rau. "This year, IDC's outlook is slight more conservative than in past years, as economic concerns and consumer and corporate confidence remain issues."