High-Power Processors behind Intel's Record Revenue

Intel reported an “all-time record” for its first-quarter revenue results. The tech titan’s revenue reached $12.8 billion, up 12 percent and 25 percent year over year.

In addition to strong spending on computer and emerging markets, driving such growth is Intel’s (News - Alert) recent introduction of its Sandy Bridge processors. These chips combine a graphics processor and one or more CPU microprocessor(s) on one silicon die, according to the Inquirer. Dubbed “the second generation Intel Core processor family” by Chipzilla, these chips promise better graphics than previous incarnations – a boon for users of next-generation laptops.

Intel also reported operating income of $4.3 billion, net income of $3.3 billion on a non-GAAP basis. The company also generated approximately $4 billion in cash from operations.

“The first-quarter revenue was an all-time record for Intel fueled by double digit annual revenue growth in every major product segment and across all geographies,” said Paul Otellini (News - Alert), Intel president and CEO, in a statement. “These outstanding results, combined with our guidance for the second quarter, position us to achieve greater than 20 percent annual revenue growth.”

This isn’t the first time Intel has reported high earnings. Back in January, the industry stalwart announced record annual revenue of $43.6 billion - up $8.5 billion or a 24 percent increase over last year. Net income topped $11.7 billion, up $7.3 billion. Fourth-quarter revenue reached $11.5 billion, up $355 million, or 3 percent sequentially. “2010 was the best year in Intel’s history. We believe that 2011 will be even better,” said Otellini.

As for Intel’s Sand Bridge processors, Apple boosted the processing power in its MacBook Pro line thanks to the new quad-core technology. The 13-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor or the fastest dual-core processor available — the 2.7GHz Intel Core i7. With Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.4GHz, these processors allow the 13-inch MacBook Pro to perform up to twice as fast as the previous generation.