We're used to upgrading our gadgets every few years, from the latest smartphones to struggling processors and graphics cards that can't keep up with new games. While old hardware often ends up being resold or discarded, many outdated devices still function well and serve surprising purposes. Here are eight fascinating examples of vintage tech that continue to hold their ground.
Table of Contents
- Retro Computers Mining Bitcoin
- A Reliable Mechanic’s Assistant Since the '80s
- Vintage Tech as a Bakery POS System
- Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals
- Windows XP Powers Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Carrier
- Critical Airport Infrastructure Fails Due to Legacy Software
- Classic Hardware Used for Cutting-Edge Research
- Nostalgia Keeps Old Systems Alive
Retro Computers Mining Bitcoin
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An enthusiast proved that the 1982 Commodore 64 can mine Bitcoin, albeit at a snail's pace of 0.3 hashes per second due to its 8-bit, 1 MHz processor. In contrast, a modern RTX 3080 GPU can handle 100 million hashes per second. At this rate, mining one Bitcoin with the C64 would take about a billion years.
Another YouTuber, stacksmashing, tried mining Bitcoin using a 1989 Nintendo Game Boy. By connecting the console to the internet via a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, he achieved a rate of 0.8 hashes per second—just slightly faster than the C64 but about 125 trillion times slower than modern ASIC miners. Mining one Bitcoin would take longer than the universe has existed.
A Reliable Mechanic’s Assistant Since the '80s
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In Gdansk, Poland, a Commodore 64C has been a trusted assistant to mechanics for over three decades. Despite surviving a flood, this computer still performs calculations for drive shafts flawlessly. With its 1 MHz CPU and just 64 KB of memory, the C64C runs custom software developed by the business owner, proving that older technology can outlast modern counterparts.
Vintage Tech as a Bakery POS System
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A bakery in Indiana has used a Commodore 64 as a point-of-sale (POS) system since the 1980s. Known as the "breadbox," this computer acts as an online cash register. Unlike modern POS systems that often face software update issues, the C64 has remained reliable, requiring only updated keyboard labels for baked goods.
Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals
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Surprisingly, the United States manages its nuclear arsenal with an IBM computer from 1976, which uses 8-inch floppy disks that hold around 80 KB of data—less than the average instant message. Although modernization plans are in place, the current system continues to operate due to its proven reliability.
Similarly, Germany's naval fleet uses 8-inch floppy disks on its Brandenburg-class frigates. Built in the 1990s with advanced weaponry, these ships still rely on outdated storage technology. Efforts to upgrade include installing floppy disk emulators, but nostalgia keeps the original system in use.
Windows XP Powers Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Carrier
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The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which cost billions, runs on Windows XP, an operating system whose support ended in 2014. The Royal Navy claims all necessary security measures are in place, but reliance on such outdated software raises concerns.
Britain's Vanguard-class submarines, including Victorious, Vigilant, and Vengeance, also use Windows XP for intercontinental missile management. These systems remain offline for security, with no updates planned until 2028.
Critical Airport Infrastructure Fails Due to Legacy Software
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In 2015, Paris Orly Airport faced a shutdown when a computer running Windows 3.1 from 1992 crashed. The DECOR software, which provided pilots with weather data, stopped working, leading to flight suspensions for safety. Users humorously suggested the computer was simply trying to upgrade to Windows 95.
Classic Hardware Used for Cutting-Edge Research
While not mentioned in the original article, classic hardware often finds new life in scientific research. For example, the Commodore 64 is used in educational settings to teach programming basics or simulate simple physics experiments. Their simplicity makes them perfect for understanding fundamental computing principles.
Nostalgia Keeps Old Systems Alive
Beyond practical applications, many organizations retain legacy systems due to habit or nostalgia. Maintaining compatibility with existing workflows or avoiding costly upgrades are common reasons. These decisions highlight the enduring value of familiar tools.
These examples demonstrate how outdated technology continues to serve critical functions across various industries. From gaming consoles mining cryptocurrency to ancient computers guiding global defense systems, legacy tech proves remarkably resilient. While upgrades may eventually replace them, these devices remind us of the enduring value of simplicity and reliability.
