Hello. I recently installed a GTX 950 (2GB) into my computer, and it's awesome. Unfortunately, when I play games (numerous games, not just one or two), the frames will either drop sub-30 from around 60fps, or in some games the game will freeze for about 1 second.
 
I am using an AMD FX-6300 as my CPU, as well. 8GB RAM.
I have tried reinstalling Nvidia drivers, restarting my computer, and trying a variety of first-person shooters. Same deal.
 
I have an image of GPU-Z here -- notice how the graphs have lines going through all of them: 

 
Help is greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks! :)

#1 Check and make sure your cpu isn't overheating when gaming.
#2 Inside the nvidia control panel make sure power management mode is set to prefer maximum performance for the game you're playing.
#3 Make sure windows power options is set to high performance.

Sajin
#1 Check and make sure your cpu isn't overheating when gaming.
#2 Inside the nvidia control panel make sure power management mode is set to prefer maximum performance for the game you're playing.
#3 Make sure windows power options is set to high performance.

I think it's more than just optimization, since frame drops occur randomly. About the CPU, the max temp was 65c while playing BF4 on High/Ultra. Still drops, even on medium settings, etc.

I believe your cpu starts throttling at 62c. Check and make sure your cpu is running at its rated speed when the problem starts occurring.

I tried it, but I don't think that was the case. While running Crysis 3 on max settings, the GPU was being loud but the CPUs temp stayed at approx. 43c. Maybe I have to play longer, for the CPU to heat up more?
 
I asked around and someone asked about my PSU. Do you think that it could be my PSU? I'll try diagnosing if it throttled tomorrow (tired lol).

What is the make/model/age of your psu?

I am using the Thermaltake SMART 550W. I don't know if that's too vague but this is the exact model:

The PSU is around 1-2 years old. I haven't had any issues with it so far.

I highly doubt your psu is the problem. Could you test the card in another computer?

I wish I could. :( I don't have any other PC to test it on, just a laptop.
 
If it isn't the PSU, it's probably the CPU. I got the card refurbished, which means that it was benchmarked. Not sure how well they benchmarked it but I'd imagine that it's not the card that's having issues (I have warranty, however, thankfully).
 
I'm not sure what to do at this point. Lag has gotten kind of worse that I've noticed, but both the CPU and the card are staying cool.

You could always take the card to your local computer repair shop to have it tested.