cmpbllsjc,I found an option to remove the audio codecs from my ati graphics card so thats just what I did. I then flew in my most graphics demanding area,Fairbanks in summer with rain, and did so for 45 mins and there was no abnormities at all and I did notice better fps. So I beleive we have something here
Also found that you should'nt turn off selected audio components that you find in the device manager because they are needed FSX aircraft sounds. When you press Q for no sound,it also brought up fps. So anyway happy landings