New graphics chips and pricing competition from ATI and Nvidia could also stimulate demand pent-up demand for graphics chips. ATI took the first step on Tuesday, releasing one of the first sub-US$100 graphics card, the Radeon HD 4770, aimed at users looking for light gaming.

Demand for PCs generally rises whenever there is a new processor, graphics processor or operating system on the market, said Kelt Reeves, CEO of PC maker Falcon Northwest.

"Anytime there's a major new launch, we always see a spike," Reeves said, whose firm sells high-end PCs targeted mainly at enthusiasts like gamers.

Windows 7 will include many improvements to boost gaming, but there are question marks surrounding its release date, Reeves said. There's a notion that Windows 7 may come out later this year, but Microsoft could drag its development into next year. Reeves is urging people not to wait until the release of Windows 7 to upgrade PCs, he said.

But questions remain about when demand for PCs will reach normal levels.