Multiplayer games freezing every few seconds

[optimumalliance]

This started a couple of days ago and I haven't been able to fix it. Every few seconds when playing TF2, the video will freeze for a second or two (the audio is fine) and when it unfreezes the character jumps back a bit. This happens in other multiplayer games too. My CPU and RAM usage are fine (never above 50%). When I host a game on my PC it works with no problems, only when I connect to other servers does the freezing happen.

This is what my network usage looks like:
http://imgur.com/BP7cSv1
When activity drops to 0 the game freezes, it's fairly regular.

I've tried disabling antivirus, scanning my PC, verifying integrity of game cache, checking that the firewall allows games through. I've been playing for years with no problems, this has just been after I went on holiday for a week.

Specs:
AMD FX-6300
8GB DDR3 RAM
Nvidia GTX 650
550 watt PSU

 

[Cons29]

most likely a latency issue. high ping against the server. it's not really dependent on banwidth (so you wont really see your network usage go high with just the game)
try other servers, it will help if you can check the ping first. join a server near your area, it usually is better

 

[optimumalliance]

most likely a latency issue. high ping against the server. it's not really dependent on banwidth (so you wont really see your network usage go high with just the game)
try other servers, it will help if you can check the ping first. join a server near your area, it usually is better

My ping is always sub 50, and it's always been fine before. This happens on all servers, even one I own which I have a ping of 15 on a good day. It's not 'rubber-banding' or ping lag as such, it just freezes ever few seconds for half a second.

 

[Cons29]

how about offline games? also, try using an older driver

 

[optimumalliance]

how about offline games? also, try using an older driver

Offline games are fine, and running TF2 offline works fine. It's just multiplayer games. I'll try an older driver.

 

[Cons29]

pocket loss maybe? you can try calling your isp. its the common denominator i think, or maybe your antivirus?

 

[optimumalliance]

pocket loss maybe? you can try calling your isp. its the common denominator i think, or maybe your antivirus?

I've tried disabling the antivirus, but I'll check the isp

 

[Cons29]

how about running a continuous ping on a particular server that you use. see if it spikes.

also, im sure you have tried this but just to be sure. restart modem.
if you are using a separate router, try using the modem directly, even just for a while. see what happens