Just thought I'd share this solution with everyone...
Please keep in mind I have a very ancient P4 computer

Every once in a while (about once or twice a year) my fps will suffer terribly, FBAlpha will start sucking up tons of cpu and games will studder. Even FFWD (F1) doesn't go fast. The quick solution to this issue is to go: Video -> Blitter Options -> Disable All Effects. (Then Video -> Blitter Options -> Enable Scanlines if you're really oldschool, like me) That's it.
best regards,
- dink