I have an old 790i-based, E8500 dual-core with GTX-480, 8G RAM. It's not stable with any overclock (790 doesn't like 8G), so CPU at stock numbers, but RAM slowed down. (I can play with 3.7-4.2G CPU speeds, but get CTDs).
Anyway, I've not played on line, but I get 30-70 in land battles with Campaign-level numbers (6 to 24 a/c in the air, buildings below), all settings maxed (but none to 2X AA) driving 1920-1080 40-in TV. Over big cities, not as playable if my altitude is too low. In most cases, it's very playable. I'm only saying this to suggest that the code is quite a bit more efficient than in '46 (which I still play). My bro's 920 4-core is not nearly as happy, though he's still running a GTX-285.
I have the strong impression that, when the weather etc is unlocked, my rig will not cope. But, the base code does seem to be thoughtfully made. I'm guessing that, when multi-core support improves, I'll get a small improvement, and my bro will stop snubbing the game.
All guesses of course. I'm a convicted eye-candy junky and model/texture a bit. I'll never be particulary objective because my tactical/flying skills lead to one outcome: I'm the 1st guy shot down. I'm salivating over running around these believable airfields and running the tower, a/c maintenance, defenses, refueling/re-arming, and crash crew. Or, I'll gladly defend convoys from strafings. I might torque those who'd like every line of code to add to the flight/gunnery challenge, but I can dream
