Intel benefited from strong microprocessor shipments and double-digit growth in laptop unit shipments, said Intel CEO Paul Otellini in a statement. The company saw strong data-center growth, driven by the growth of mobile and cloud computing, Otellini said.

The company reported profit of US$3.7 billion on a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) basis for the quarter ending on Oct. 1, up 24 percent compared to the same quarter in 2010. Earnings per share for the quarter was $0.69, beating estimates of $0.61 from analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.

Intel's profit was $3.5 billion and earnings per share was $0.65 on a GAAP basis, after accounting for tax and acquisition charges.

On a non-GAAP basis, Intel reported revenue of $14.3 billion, up 29 percent compared to the previous year's third quarter. On a GAAP basis, Intel reported revenue of $14.2 billion. Analysts estimated revenue for the quarter to be $13.9 billion.

Revenue for the PC Client Group, which deals in laptop and desktop chips, was $9.4 billion, growing by 22 percent compared to last year's third quarter. The Data Center Group, which ships server chips, had revenue of $2.5 billion, up 15 percent year over year.