System requirements for Windows 98

I am running Windows 98 SE on a P II 400 MHz with 256 MB RAM. It is never in a hurry to do anything and System Resources are never higher than 60 per cent even with no programs loaded.

Today I pulled out an old computer from my stock of “computers to be upgraded” and switched it on. Lo and behold it runs Windows 98 at a good speed on a Pentium I and 16 MB RAM. System resources are 90 per cent free with no programs loaded.

I am almost certain that some time ago I saw Windows 98 running on a 486 33 MHz.

Explanations please.