Persistence.....
Yes there is a point where JoshRoss's post is certainly something to be strongly considered.
However, if the problem (whatever source and nature) continues then the time and effort to do the clean install is lost.
Go ahead and stop/disable any "nice to have" background apps.
No harm in carefully peeking and poking into things via the tools.
And although it can be a bit steep of a learning curve you are likely to learn other useful things as well.
It is up to you as to if and when troubleshooting is at a point of diminishing returns and you decide to do the clean install.
Use Task Manager or Performance Manager as well.