I have found INTC to be closer to QQQ than CSCO. Compare the two from this last week and you'll see what I mean.
Regarding a strategy for QQQ, I like to watch the Nasdaq TICK and TRIN, then go long or short appropriately, and stay in the position for several hours. They are pretty good at indicating the underlying direction of the Nasdaq market.
For Longs, I look for the TICK to be positive and TRIN to be .9 or lower. For Shorts, I'm looking for a negative TICK and TRIN 1.1 or higher. And its good to wait until around 10:30 or 11:00 once the market settles down some.