[Skybird]

Xabba,
in quick mission editor, set up a 16 vs 16 scenario and medium clouds, then save it.

make sure the game runs in desired resolution, all other graphic options to minimum. make a test flight with that scenario. Increase you options step by step, and test it. With modern hardware you should be able to run it all pretty much at maximum anyway, but play it safe this way by taking step by step. It will take you around 30-45 minutes ot testings maybe, but that way you find out directly what you system can handle without problems.

Since IL2 is a dogfighting-heavy sim and it's landscape knows only minore changes (imo) when changing land details, I would increase the other options earlier than the land quality options.

But as I said, modern hardware should be able to run it all pretty much at maximum. At least I can, with 1280x1024(or 960, I'm not sure). And my rig is not even modern, a P4 3GHz, 1 GB RAM, and AGP 7800 GS (256 MB, 84.xx).

If your card gives you troubles, try an older driver with a solid reputation. the latest are not always the best. that's why I am still with an 84.xx. Later drivers did not run all my (older) games without troubles, but this one does without a single glitch in any sim.