STAMFORD, CT -- Gartner raised its outlook for the worldwide semiconductor market revenue, saying it will drop 22.4% in 2009, up from a February estimate of a 24.1% fall.

The firm cited better-than-expected first quarter PC shipments and inventory replenishment.

Gartner further guided for 4.9% growth in the second quarter.

The research firm forecasts overall sales of $198 billion for the year as stabilizing prices balance tepid consumer demand.