Intel sees big profit rise thanks to server sales

Intel has posted a 48% rise in quarterly net profits, as strong sales of server microprocessors more than offset weak demand for chips used in personal computers.The world’s largest microchip-maker made a net profit of $3.4bn (£2.1bn) in the last three months of 2010, up from $2.3bn a year earlier.Its revenues were also ahead of market expectations, rising 8% to $11.5bn.Intel said 2010 was the best year in its history.Sales of its microchips for data centres were up 15% in October-December, while those for PCs were flat.For 2010 as a whole, Intel’s net profit totalled $11.7bn, up from $4.4bn in 2009.RBC Capital Markets analyst Mahesh Sanganeria said Intel’s latest figures were “great”.Earlier this week, Intel agreed to pay Nvidia $1.5bn to use its smaller rival’s graphics chip technology.Analysts said the move will enable Intel to increase its presence in hand-held computers, smartphones and tablet computers – BBC