copyright 2009, The Washington Post WASHINGTON -- The world's largest chipmaker blew away forecasters' expectations in the third quarter with the largest gain between the second and third quarters in the company's history, thanks to returning consumer interest in the electronic gadgets powered by Intel chips. Big growth came from chips used in mobile devices, such as notebook computers, and China, which is lapping up American exports on the cheap, thanks to the weak dollar. Also, Intel makes chips used in smartphones, which continue to sell strongly. Profit in millions 3rd quarter, 2008: $2,014 4th quarter, 2008: $234 1st quarter, 2009: $629 2nd quarter, 2009: -$398 3rd quarter, 2009: $1,856 