My 2nd gen i7 2630qm 8GBRAM dell xps L502x took quite a while to run smooth even on W7,and after 20months of everyday use its still going strong,but I went through a Tascam US600,and a UA25-EX interfaces[e?] that had me going DOWN to ASIO4all/Realtek for surpisingly good results,for ages,till a N.I.KA6 interface is finally a match made worthy.
Iv'e found adjusting the "gloss eq"whilst a project is running,often brings about a few "breakfast sounds",even when Everything else is peachy.
Sometimes[all the time?] latest and greatest,doesn't always mean smooth sailing unfortunately,hope you get it sorted,and you know the mantra of "high perf" power plan et al.
Bob
[sorry I just saw the version 3 timeline of experience]