Tech

This component turns 25 and is still found in the world’s fastest PCs: Happy Anniversary!

Although its glory days are long gone, the veteran standard is still around and refusing to retire.

Update: Apr 30th, 2025 01:03 CEST

Technology is always evolving, and sometimes the hardware we use is immediately replaced by something more powerful. Although it may seem strange, there is a piece of hardware that, despite being 25 years old, is still active in the devices we use (and despite the fact that there are newer versions). This time we are talking about USB 2.0.

Happy birthday to USB 2.0!

Take a look at your computer, even your TV or console. Many of those connections are still USB 2.0. This port celebrated its first quarter-century this week, increasing the 12 Mbps transfer rate of the first USB (first introduced in 1996) to an astounding 480 Mbps. Over the years, the port’s specifications have evolved beyond the giant leap to allow for new types of connector designs and the ability to charge devices. And while there are versions with better capabilities, it is still in use.

This component turns 25 and is still found in the world’s fastest PCs: Happy Anniversary!

Why is USB 2.0 still around?

Aside from nostalgia, there are practical reasons. USB 2.0 ports are still inexpensive and easy to integrate into motherboards. They consume few chipset resources, are ideal for basic peripherals, and require less engineering than newer standards such as USB 3.0 or USB4. For this reason, they continue to appear in the headers of many motherboards, especially for the front ports of enclosures.

And while its current specifications pale in comparison to what modern ports offer, its compatibility and simplicity still make it useful in certain contexts.