my mom & dad both have machines that generally surpass what i have for general use ... really this more because i prefer a quieter system when i'm using them that actual need, currently the fastest processor capable of running without a fan is 1ghz - and the quickest GeForceFX capable of also running without a fan is the 5200mx
bonus with all of that being is that my personal system runs at around 5db unless i use my DvD Drive, which is a noisy bugger ... everything else has been rigged to be silent
most people don't even know my computer is on when they're in the room if its just sitting there in standby mode.
but then my parents have always had far better systems than me, they've never needed all that power ... my dad refuses to play most games that even need a 3D Accellerator, think the most advanced games he's played to date are Tomb Raider Unfinished Business and Quake.
and my mom does nothing but emails and word processing, yet still has a system that most gamers would walk over over broken glass with bare feet just to use.
... god knows why i've noticed parents seem to do that, they'll get grafted by the store clerks to buy the most expensive hardware ... and you have to sit there with your lowly Cyrix 6x86 system and onboard Video just wondering what the hell they need a P4 3.0ghz system for when all they do is type in MSWord