Intel on Thursday posted December-quarter results that beat analysts' low expectations, while its forecast for current-quarter revenue missed estimates as the chipmaker grapples with tepid demand for its data center chips and as investors wait for a new CEO.

As the chipmaker undergoes a historic transition and attempts to emerge from one of its bleakest periods, it has also struggled to cash in on a boom in investment in advanced AI chips - a market led by Nvidia.

Intel will face investor scrutiny on its CEO search when it reports quarterly results on Thursday, as the chipmaker stares at another big decline in revenue due to weak PC sales and its shrinking share in the datacenter market.