Entire computer is lagging while playing games

[Klosterman95]

hello everyone, im still trying to figure out why my computer is lagging on the easiest-to-run games out there like World of Warcraft. But anyways, I really need to know what exactly is lagging my computer, and dont really know where to start. But I'll Post my specs for you guys to take a look at and show you what i have already done.

Specs:
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Processor Quad Core 3.20 GHz
4.00 GB of DDR2 Ram
ATI Radeon HD 5850 1gb of GDDR5 ram i believe. Don't remember specifically.
Windows 7 64 bit OS
I have a fan on my processor. I have 3 case fans that are working, and one has stopped working.
755 Watt Power Supply

If you need any other things that i might have left out, let me know in your replies.

What i have done:
I have done a memtest from the CMD prompt, and there was nothing wrong there.
I checked my processor speed and it still is 3.20 GHz, because when i first got this computer, the mobo wasn't compatible with the processor. So it only let me use like 1.2 ghz of it.
I've scanned my computer for viruses.

At this point i have no idea what to do, it is rather frustrating when i can't play even the simplest of games without the entire computer lagging.

The lag itself goes like this. I will be playing for maybe 30 seconds, then my frames will drop to 1 or 2 fps for 5-7 seconds at a time, then continue for about 9-10 seconds, then go back to 1 or 2 fps for 5-7 seconds. and It continues like that.

Any suggestions will be helpful, so PLEASE help!
Thanks.

 

[Gornot]

Update sound drivers
update GPU drivers
update DirectX

 

[AstaLaVista]

WoW is an internet game isn't it? perhaps is not your rig, you seem to have a capable pc, perhaps is your internet that is bottle-necking your gaming enjoyment?

+1 on what Gornot said

 

[belikexp]

Look around on your computer. There must be something that says what PC your using. Maybe pop the cover open and see what kind of motherboard you have.

 

[simmo]

what's your internet speed?
I play WoW and your system can definetly run it and your fps should be way higher..update your Graphics card drivers..there are/were issues with earler ATI drivers and WoW.
If your net speed is poor tho you will have latency issues without doubt...lot of data toing and froing when your playing and even more so if you an AH junkie in a capital city.
Your rig should run any game currently on the market I would think.

BTW what sort of PSU are you currently using...as in brand/model?

 

[Klosterman95]

Uhm...My PSU shouldn't have anything to do with it. But it's a 750W powersupply, I don't know the specific brand. I just don't know what else i could do. I will updated the drivers for my card.

 

[simmo]

Uhm...My PSU shouldn't have anything to do with it. But it's a 750W powersupply, I don't know the specific brand. I just don't know what else i could do. I will updated the drivers for my card.

K.. your right re PSU...must have been thinking about some/one/thing else.....your system will run WoW nps or should do.If it is lagging in WoW it's possibly your net. WoW can get laggy in Hi Pop areas (city) and that seems to be where a lot of 85's are,waiting lol. I assume you have turned off unneccessary services, Aero effects etc?
You should check the tutorials as well

 

[RiD]

Yeah, try turning down the graphics also. I know on SC2 along with most games that makes it faster....