Fix #1
After a few weeks of putting up with annoying dips into 10-15 fps every few seconds, I decided to really look into the problem; I tried Googling the issue but the same answers were repeated, and none of them helped. The odd part was, it only happened while playing certain games, otherwise it was fine. After doing some research and testing, I found the issue, and the fix, which worked for both Kwang and I.
The reason this helps is because Windows Vista/7 has issues with it's sound engine; Audiodg.exe is the process that manages sound on these two operating systems. Audiodg allows 3rd parties to build custom sound modifiers, known as 'enhancements', which can emulate several effects. Most people either have sound effects on by default, or went through sound options and checked it themselves. When these modifiers are used, especially called by games, the Audiodg.exe CPU usage spikes up to over 40%; disabling all enhancements prevents that. More About Audiodg.exe
Fix #2
About 2 years ago, I was having low FPS and high CPU spikes on everything, my computer would suddenly freeze every few seconds, which was, of course, a major pain in the ass. I found a solution after looking a bit, but, the problem is, it's a risky fix. Thankfully, there's a way to check if it's necessary.
1. Download a fan checking program I personally like SpeedFan
2. Run the program, wait a few seconds for it to configure and get the readings.
3. When you can see the temperature readings, see how many readings are above 60ish.
4. High temperature readings indicate fan issues, most likely caused by dust buildup. CPU cooling problems can cause performance issues.
5.
- Laptops: Open up the laptop and clean, or either use compressed air (Advised), or put a vacuum hose up to your fan.
- Desktops: Open up your tower and clean out the dust
PLEASE GOOGLE HOW TO CLEAN FANS PROPERLY BEFORE DOING SO, YOU CAN EASILY F*CK YOUR SYSTEM UP
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000780.htm
http://www.fonerbooks.com/lap_fan.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Computer
If you have any other methods, suggestions, or feedback, please post.