PC microprocessor sales to be up 18% in 2004

Sales of microchips for personal computers will grow 18% this year, but near stagnant spending on desktop computers will lead to single-digit annual growth rates through 2008, according to IDC. PC-related microchips include computer processors and memory as well as semiconductors that manage power, sound, video and communications. Sales of such chips are expected to grow an average of 7.8% annually over the next five years, according to IDC, with growth tapering off to 2.2% in 2008. The market will have grown from $45.4 bil last year to $66.1 bil in 2008, IDC said.