Shiny Thing Syndrome (STS) is a hard condition to shake, and I’ve been collecting computer hardware since the early ’90s. Some I’ve kept and some I’ve regrettably sold. Not all my vintage hardware is in continuous daily use, except for one.
Compace Rally PC Case (AT)
I’ve had this case since the early ’90s and have been lugging it around ever since. Originally, it housed an Intel 486 and a tiny hard drive with Windows 3.1 – my first introduction to Windows. Since then, I’ve played with numerous configurations, but since it’s an AT design, my choices are limited. Today it contains a PC Chips motherboard, Intel Pentium II 300Mhz, CD-ROM drive, 64MB of RAM, 5 1/4 and 3.5″ floppy drives, and some ISA devices, including a sound card and PCMCIA network card. Really, it’s just a bit of retro fun, ideal for playing with Windows 98 and XP.
My First PC Case With Side Window
PC cases with tempered glass side panels are all the rage today. I bought this one in Spain back in 2003, with a Perspex panel, and built a Pentium 4 system on an Asus motherboard with a massive 2GB of RAM, a DVD drive, a 3DFX video card, and a 40GB HDD. It’s seen numerous configurations since then and currently houses an Asus FM1 motherboard with an AMD A6 3620 CPU and 16GB of RAM, which I was using for VHS to digital conversions. Since upgrading to a Ryzen 5600G in a brand new system, I’ve retired this one, and when the motherboard finally dies, I expect I’ll still use this case for more retro fun.
Creative Cambridge Soundworks 4.1 speakers
How odd that I can still remember the day when I picked up these excellent speakers from a bargain bin at a PC World store in the UK back in 2000 for £10 (which my dear Mum paid for!). Mainly because I’ve been using them every day since, and I’ve moved house at least half a dozen times during that time. The four satellite speakers and one sub-woofer produce just the right sound for me, both for gaming and music, with a handy volume control that sits on the desktop. With a total power of 41 Watts (24W satellites, 17W Subwoofer), it’s easily enough for me, especially in a small room. The subwoofer sits on the floor under my desk, but I don’t trail the cables to the back of the room for rear sound because everything sounds fine, as you can see in the above photo. For a 25-year-old set of speakers that still produce a great sound, I have no intention of replacing them.
Other Hardware
I have boxes of old graphics cards, sound cards, keyboards, and mice, which I occasionally dip into just for fun and am reluctant to ditch, being a collector. Quality products are worth keeping, especially if they do everything you need them to. A case in point is my Cooler Master Storm Trooper full tower case, which I’ve now had for over 10 years because I’ve yet to find a full tower that will take six HDDs, numerous fans, and be spacious enough for everything I throw at it.
What’s the oldest tech hardware that you own and still use daily?
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Love this nostalgia trip! It’s amazing how durable older hardware can be. I’m still using a Logitech keyboard from 2006 built like a tank and still more comfortable than most modern options. Sometimes the old tech just gets it right.
I have an HP PS2 keyboard that must date back to the early 90s which I took to bits and cleaned in soap and water. It looks like new now and is almost indestructible.
Oldest tech I have used continuously is X-10 home automation equipment. Started using it 41 years ago in 1984 and still using it today with some of the original BSR modules. I added a JDS Stargate controller for X-10 23 years ago and it’s still going strong and I’ve even added Alexa control to it. The programming software runs on an old 32 bit laptop dedicated to the task but not required to run the Stargate.
Marc your article got me thinking about some equipment I have sitting on shelves. Particularly a router that was functioing perfectly until I upgraded recently to access some extra speed. Are these of any value to people or are you aware of where they can be donated to people who might be able to use working tech that is simply a few years old? Thanks for the great article
Maybe a charity shop, David?
My oldest tech I use continuously is my laptop, an Asus G750 I bought in Jan 2014 custom configured at the time with Win 7 on a 128 GB SSD that I have since upgraded to 500GB and has a 1TB Data drive. I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to Win 10 last Dec, and have the Extended updates. My Desktop, that I hardly use anymore, I built just before buying the laptop, upgrading from XP to 7 on an SSD, an Asus mobo, 16GB Corsair Vengeance, a 500 GB data HDD and an additional HDD with Mac OSx, but with it I still use my Logitech Access YSR34 keyboard that is so old it’s PS/2 made in 2004. Still my preferred keyboard despite the keys being yellow now. Yes, I have newer ones. I will use it until it no longer works.
Good day Marc. My oldest and still working computer is a 486 DOS desktop. I fire it up every year or two to see if it still works. I also keep certain items from recycled computers like DVD’s which come in handy since they are no longer included with newer desktops. You just need to find the cables to make them external. Also best to hold onto an old computer which has them installed, Mindblower!
Yes, it’s always fun to fire up old PCs, Mindblower!