"I wouldn't rule out mobiles. In fact, I estimate Intel will have a 10 percent market share in smartphones within two to three years, given its push towards lower power and the porting of Android to its chips," Gold said.

Intel has the advantage in process technology that should keep it highly competitive in the mobile space, Gold said.

But Intel's sheer dominance of the PC market continues to create business opportunities for On Semiconductor, which supplies power components to chip and board makers. The company has to advance and spread awareness about its technology as Intel makes chips smaller and more power efficient, and also needs to find new opportunities and contacts, said Mikhail Guz, senior director of low-voltage MOSFET BU at On Semiconductor.

"I think [IDF] may be a little lighter on traffic, I don't know if it's a sign of the times," Guz said. "But for the composition of attendees, it's relevant."