Intel said it expects third-quarter revenue to be US$9 billion, "plus or minus $200 million," compared to its previous guidance of $8.5 billion, plus or minus $400 million. Even at the low end of the current estimate, Intel would beat expectations of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, who are forecasting revenue of $8.55 billion.

The prior forecast was issued during Intel's last quarterly financial results statement on July 14.

Intel also said that it expects its gross margin for the current quarter to be in the "upper half" of the previously forecast range of 53 percent, plus or minus two percentage points. Gross margin is the difference between revenue and cost of sales, a key indicator of the financial stability of a company.

Intel is scheduled to report third-quarter results on Oct. 13. The company stressed that before then, the economic outlook could change, and detailed a variety of risks in its Friday statement. "Ongoing uncertainty in global economic conditions poses a risk to the overall economy as consumers and businesses may defer purchases in response to tighter credit and negative financial news," Intel said.

However, the increase in Intel's revenue guidance for the quarter is in line with higher expectations for components and hardware on the part of analysts and other vendors.