Qualcomm has approached the once-dominant chipmaker Intel for a potential buyout, turning the spotlight on the portfolio of products these chip companies have to offer. A deal would unite Qualcomm's mobile-focused Snapdragon line with Intel's dominant PC and server chip divisions,

Doubts about the Qualcomm-Intel deal stem from uncertainty over how Intel's manufacturing fits into Qualcomm's design focus.

One analyst notes that Intel’s situation doesn’t seem dire enough for the company to settle for a “fire sale.” Plus, Qualcomm could see Intel’s foundry assets as a headache.