Node is running on HP brand machine, i3, 6GB memory...
Of course, all other software was turned off, except regular Windows (win 7, there are no more regular updates which can cause network congestion)
Do you by any chance monitor the Node usage within the task manager? if so how high does the node usage.
Anyway, I don't know if it would help, but have you tried/set the power plan on your OS to high performances? See
Learning Windows 7: Manage Power Settings. I assume you are run it on a Laptop right("HP brand machine")? I think the settings somehow affect the performance of the device, it wouldn't hurt if you try to change it.