Thank you for your system specs. So we can take a close look at your system configuration, please follow along below to post a PCPitstop scan for review.

Please Run the PCPitstop Full Tests, here:

Note: Vista users with UAC must first Right-click IE - Select "Run as Administrator"
Register and create a password
Accept the ActiveX component to allow your machine to run the Full Tests
Registering and accepting the ActiveX are both SAFE and FREE.
Full Tests is the first item in the left hand column of that page.

The Full Tests take less than 5 minutes for most machines.
Once you have your Results, please post the TechExpress Link back here into this thread for review.
TechExpress is the sixth item on the list in the yellow box in upper right area of any Results page.
Post the entire URL link information back here into this Forum thread.

Note: Vista users, please close your instance of IE "Rrunning as Administrator" after you are finished reviewing your Results.

Caution: During the testing of Video Adapter, a variety of patterns, shapes, colors and text are “flashed” onto the users monitor screen. In the many thousands of daily uses of the PCPitstop Full Tests over several years, two individuals who suffer epilepsy experienced discomfort and temporary dizziness when viewing the flashing patterns.
If you know that you are susceptible to photo driven seizure, please look away from your screen during the Video Adapter testing sequence.

Note: The PCPitstop Full Tests Results is a free service, but is supported by various paid product advertisements for utilities that "could" remedy the OP's problem.
Since D-A-L is a "free-help" forum, we do not recommend or endorse purchase of automated utilities, and will assist you in manually correcting any problems and settings necessary to optimize your machine's performance. Ask your questions here. We'll help you walk through any necessary steps.

kind regards,

Well from what I can tell you most certainly have a powerful enough computer and the fact that it previously had Vista on it helps. We could still benefit from running that scan that tallin suggested. Have you installed all of the necessary drivers? Do you do a clean install or an in place upgrade? You might want to try to disabling Aero. Have you disabled virtual memory? Even if you have enough ram you still need it (how to enable it). I suggest, just to make sure, that you work with with one of our security experts to make sure that you don't have an infection. If you wish to do so please read this & post another thread here. Do you have any security software? None is listed. Windows defender isn't enough because it only does spy ware. You need an anti-virus as well. That link has some good programs listed.

Here are the results from the PitStop Test:
PC Pitstop OverDrive Tests Overview

Originally Posted by townsbg

Well from what I can tell you most certainly have a powerful enough computer and the fact that it previously had Vista on it helps. We could still benefit from running that scan that tallin suggested. Have you installed all of the necessary drivers? Do you do a clean install or an in place upgrade? You might want to try to disabling Aero. Have you disabled virtual memory? Even if you have enough ram you still need it (how to enable it). I suggest, just to make sure, that you work with with one of our security experts to make sure that you don't have an infection. If you wish to do so please read this & post another thread here. Do you have any security software? None is listed. Windows defender isn't enough because it only does spy ware. You need an anti-virus as well. That link has some good programs listed.

I upgraded from Vista, disabling Aero doesn't make the problem go away.

Thanks for sending the PCPitstop scan for review.

As shown under FIXES there is some work to be done by mousing over then clicking on the suggested fixes to reverse the problems shown. Also clicking PERFORMANCE shows the main items to correct the issues you are experiencing.

Please make sure you defragment your Hard Drive, empty your recycle bin, and run your Anti-spyware in the first instance. Then follow all other suggestions in FIXES, reboot and see if there is an improvement. Let me again draw your attention to the following:

Note: The PCPitstop Full Tests Results is a free service, but is supported by various paid product advertisements for utilities that "could" remedy the OP's problem.
Since D-A-L is a "free-help" forum, we do not recommend or endorse purchase of automated utilities, and will assist you in manually correcting any problems and settings necessary to optimize your machine's performance. Ask your questions here. We'll help you walk through any necessary steps.

Let us know after you have carried out the above suggestions.

kind regards,

After performing all the fixes, I still get some performance errors related to the memory. I defragmented the C:/ drive but the fix still appears on the scan results.

I'm going to post a topic on the HJT Thread to see if they can help.

Okay, I will monitor your HJT thread to see the outcome. After Broni has completed the Malware clearance if you still have issues post back here in this thread for further assistance from our volunteers.

kind regards,