We regularly upgrade our technology—new iPhones, faster processors, graphics cards capable of handling the latest games. Outdated hardware often ends up resold or discarded. But many older devices remain surprisingly functional and even essential. Here are eight examples of vintage tech that continues to hold its own.
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- Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals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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Believe it or not, a Commodore 64 (from 1982!) has been used to mine Bitcoin. The results? A paltry 0.3 hashes per second, thanks to its 8-bit, 1 MHz processor. Compare that to an RTX 3080 GPU's 100 million hashes per second. Mining a single Bitcoin on a C64 would take, conservatively, about a billion years.
Similarly, a YouTuber, stacksmashing, mined Bitcoin using a 1989 Nintendo Game Boy, connected to the internet via a Raspberry Pi Pico. The Game Boy managed 0.8 hashes per second—slightly faster than the C64, but still about 125 trillion times slower than modern ASIC miners. Mining one Bitcoin on a Game Boy? 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 mechanic's indispensable tool for over three decades. It even survived a flood! This 1 MHz, 64 KB marvel flawlessly handles drive shaft calculations, running custom software created by the business owner. Sometimes, older technology simply outlasts the new.
Vintage Tech as a Bakery POS System
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An Indiana bakery has relied on a Commodore 64 as its point-of-sale (POS) system since the 1980s. Affectionately nicknamed the "breadbox," this online cash register consistently outperforms modern systems prone to software update headaches. The only update needed? New keyboard labels for new baked goods.
Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals
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The United States manages part of its nuclear arsenal using an IBM computer from 1976, relying on 8-inch floppy disks (around 80 KB of data—less than a typical instant message!). While modernization plans exist, the current system's reliability keeps it in place.
Similarly, Germany's navy uses 8-inch floppy disks on its Brandenburg-class frigates. Built in the 1990s with cutting-edge weaponry, these ships rely on this outdated technology. Upgrades are underway, including floppy disk emulators, but nostalgia seems to be playing a part in keeping the originals around.
Windows XP Powers Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Carrier
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The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, a multi-billion dollar vessel, runs on Windows XP—support for which ended in 2014. While the Royal Navy assures us security measures are in place, the reliance on such outdated software is certainly eyebrow-raising.
The same is true for Britain's Vanguard-class submarines (Victorious, Vigilant, and Vengeance), which use Windows XP for intercontinental missile management. These systems remain offline for security reasons, with no planned updates until 2028.
Critical Airport Infrastructure Fails Due to Legacy Software
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In 2015, Paris Orly Airport experienced a system failure when a computer running Windows 3.1 (1992!) crashed. The DECOR software, providing pilots with weather data, failed, causing flight suspensions. Some joked the computer simply wanted to upgrade to Windows 95.
Classic Hardware Used for Cutting-Edge Research
Retro computers like the Commodore 64 have found a niche in educational settings and scientific research, particularly in teaching programming basics and simulating simple physics experiments. Their simplicity makes them ideal for understanding fundamental computing principles.
Nostalgia Keeps Old Systems Alive
Beyond practical applications, many organizations maintain legacy systems due to habit or nostalgia. Maintaining compatibility with existing workflows or avoiding costly upgrades keeps these familiar tools alive.
These examples demonstrate the surprising resilience of outdated technology. From gaming consoles mining cryptocurrency to vintage computers guiding global defense systems, legacy tech proves remarkably durable. While upgrades will eventually replace them, these devices highlight the enduring value of simplicity and reliability.
