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Folks, this is a HUGE problem that will affect our entire industry. There is no replacing an exponential growth function. Sure, we can have a few "one-offs" here and there, but the loss of the exponential growth of computer performance cannot be replaced.

What happens when computers no longer get any faster? People have been so used to the 40 year exponential trend that they can't even comprehend that it will end. We're talking about the next 4-5 years.

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For one, we could start programming efficiently and natively again instead of going through layers of interpreted languages and abstractions. Also, shared-nothing architectures are still scaling well for many workloads.

we're already at the point where ppl don't buy new PCs because they are still fast enough.

getting to the point where silicon development stops and full-on quantum computing begins has been a long time coming. these d-wave machines are still a long ways from a proper quantum computer.

There is also the option of alternative substrates, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes or doped diamond.

Diamond could operate at higher temperatures and frequencies (giving us better single-threaded performance again). Graphene would be more suited to the current manufacturing process. I don't know much about nanotube processors other than that they are in research too.

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