[klem]

I can't wait any longer for SoW system specs, the community have taken IL-2 to such new levels (no I didn't use the 'm' word) that my AMD3800+ 2x64 at 2.4GHz, 2Gb RAM and 2 x 7800GTs no longer runs it smoothly on Perfect.

I'm going now with

Intel i7 950 3.06GHz (overclockable)
6Gb DDR3 RAM
XFX 5870 GPU
ASUS Sabertooth mobo
SSD for the OS and Flying software (IL-2, FSX, SOW)
700w Storm PSU (cos i have one in the cupboard)
plus a couple of HDDs for other stuff

If that doesn't run SoW which has been in development for 7+ years(?) then I won't bother buying it. Also SoW's only going to be 32bit. I expect the 64 bit version will run even better if it ever gets developed but that would take another 2 weeks :^)

Seriously guys, if it's that close (even 5 months away), current products aren't going to change that much and newer stuff will be way too expensive for me. I haven't gone i7 960 or 5970 due to the almost double cost. That could improve over the next 6 months but probably not by much.

btw my laptop with i7 720QM 1.06GHz, 6Gb RAM and 5850 GPU eats IL-2 alive on max settings and FSX is rock solid with 1.2m photo terrain so the new rig should be even better.