Should I be getting gameplay stutter?

[EsotericPolarBear]

3.2 GHz P4
2 GB RAM
nVidia 7800 GS OC AGP

afaik, that's well above the min requirements, but I get massive CPU clogging from NPCs...especially when they first enter or leave a lot.  If I pause the game, however, it runs (pauses?) smooth as slik.

I am running the MATY director's cut hacks, so if this is just a normal side-effect, I can manage...but if it's a legit issue, I'd like to fix it.

oh, and I've got all the EPs and SPs...

[J. M. Pescado]

Normal.

[EsotericPolarBear]

boooo hisssss

I was hoping you'd say it was fixable. 

oh well, c'est la vie.