How fast can PCs truly go?

Despite predictions that computer-switching speeds are fast approaching fundamental limits, consumers continue to see a steady increase. Improved performance has pushed the clock speed of top end personal computers well over the 400 MHz mark. Perhaps more impressive, this improvement in operating speed has been achieved through incremental improvements on existing technology. Current personal computers have yet to exploit the potential of non-traditional computing technologies, such as optics and high speed GaAs. As these technologies are integrated into desktop computers, expect more significant increases in clock speed and overall performance. This trend of increasing processor speed naturally leads to questions concerning its actual fundamental limits. 1) What factors limit the speed of current integrated circuit (IC) based computers? 2) Is current IC technology approaching a fundamental limit? 3) What factors must be overcome to continue increasing computer speed? These questions are discussed.