Bizarre FPS Issues

[Digital_Kitchen]

So my framerate is fine except when looking in certain "things." I can't tell exactly what categories of things are causing the issue, but my guess is volumetric stuff, like explosions and water.

When I am *not* looking at "bad" stuff, my FPS is around 140. When I do look at "bad" stuff, it drops down to 22 FPS. I've tried turning ALL settings down to the minimum, but it is still happening. What in the world could be the issue??

I've also tried the frame cap and film grain suggestions I have seen out there.



Specs:

Windows 7 - x64
Intel i7 920
ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution
12 GB RAM PC-12800
120GB SSD
Two 4GB 5970 - Quad-Fire