In 10Q filings, public companies typically detail risks, sometimes dire, that they face. But it's notable that Intel has added new language about the economic downturn.

In the filing, Intel also reiterated plans to issue an unusual mid-quarter business update on Dec. 4, in part because the company has struggled to predict demand given the economic conditions. "The higher chipset revenue we experienced in the third quarter would normally be a sign that customers are building ahead of a strong fourth quarter," the company wrote in the 10Q. "However, with the current macroeconomic environment, it is hard to discern what demand will be for the fourth quarter of 2008."