Lag Spikes when connected to the internet?

Hi everyone,

I've been having trouble with my PC for quite a while now, and have been looking for a fix for a long time. When I'm using my computer every so often I will get random lag spikes, that last for around 2-5 seconds. When it happens everything slows down, and the sound sounds like a broken CD/DVD where it goes all choppy.
Recently I was staying at a friends house, where my computer wasn't connected to the internet, and while I was there I didn't have the problem at all, so I think it's something to do with being connected to the internet.
I have checked all my drivers and they are all up to date, and I've tried to minimize my startup programs etc. but I'm still having the same issue.
The only times it happens are:
- When using any web browser
- When downloading something with BitTorent.
My system specs are on my profile.

Thanks, hope you can help! :)

Without actually being familiar with the term "random lag spikes" I have to assume it is some kind of interference or noise getting into your network ? Does this happen when connected both wired and wireless ?

Well the lag spikes affect the whole computer, not just the internet, so for example, if I were playing FIFA 12, the whole game would slow down, start stuttering, and the sound will become choppy. It's exactly like a DVD with a scratch in it.

As for the connection, I have never used the computer on wireless as it's a desktop and the router is right next to me, however I have tried using all the ethernet ports on the router, and even tried using the spare router, but still the problem persists.

run this tool while using your computer normally and report the results back to us: DPC Latency Checker, Download bei heise

Okay I don't really understand it so I have attached a link to a printscreen: 87eb9cd8425ece516d3d93a1cc3cc7db.png

I have also noticed that when these lag spikes happen, my CPU Usage in Task manager that usually sits around 2%, will jump up to 97% if that's any help.

yea you are spiking to 8000 ms look at that! Follow these explanation and instructions (don't be in a hurry read carefully):

DPC Latency Checker

Essentially, you can weed out which driver is possibly causing these spikes.

Okay, I did what that said and I've worked out that it's the driver for my network card that is causing the issues with my computer. It's is called 'Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller'. Which I find weird because that implies it's for use with a PCIe network card, which I do not have, just inbuilt motherboard. Could this be the cause of my issues? Also when I right click and press update, it says I currently have the best version for my system.

I have just gone to the gigabyte website and found the most up to date driver, downloaded and installed, still no fix...

Hi,

sorry for the delay in replying, wanted to give it a chance to see what happened. I did what you said, and although they have become less frequent, I'm still getting them. :)