I've never had a problem with this program in over 10 years of using it and i'm certain it has saved me having to clean install windows on many occasions.
You'd be surprised how many redundant registry entries are left behind by programs that stop your PC from operating like it should.
Not sure where the snake oil comes into it either, this program is free.
Misconception..
Why Using a Registry Cleaner Won’t Speed Up Your PC or Fix Crashes
Microsofts policy
I also have used registry cleaners in the past i.e. ccleaner. 20 years and 100's of installations.
Often after using a ccleaner I experienced conflicts and computer corruption issues requiring OS re-installation.
A quick search on reg cleaners confirmed my suspicion that the registry cleaning isn't recommended. Don't take my word for it, google it...
I stopped using ccleaner many years ago and many unnecessary user induced issues have been eliminated.
ccleaner is fine for cleaning out temp files, recycle bin, etc... but using the reg cleaner is not.
Even Revo uninstaller can create problems when you scan for left over files with the advanced or moderate option after program uninstalls ... (Safe mode is recommended)
A better solution is to use system imaging software to restore corrupted installations to a "clean" state.
(system restore may work occasionally, but I prefer a clean image)
Macrium Reflect is an excellent product to image or clone the OS disk (simple and reliable)
(I prefer two images)
#1, OS system only: Windows + updates
#2, OS + primary applications
Macrium Free is sufficient to back-up one computer
If one desire's to reinstall OS on dissimilar hardware (new computer) or multiple computers, then the licensed product is desirable for the "redeploy feature" which saves a tremendous amount of time.
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Now to address the OP's original question. Best solution is to uninstall all video drivers and reinstall the driver directly from manufactures website NOT windows update.
If problem still exists, test the card in a different system. This will isolate if card or system.
If card is not the issue, then system restore to a point prior to the issue starting, however, since OP stated he has had problems from the beginning, he is probably better off just going with Nvidia... and possibly re-installing Windows, because it has been 4 years and windows does slow down with time...
I perform a fresh install/mount image at least once a year to freshen up performance, takes all of an hour or two.
Regarding video cards, I prefer Nvidia, and opt for dual cards, if one fails you still have two monitors... also easier to troubleshoot, swapping cards...
(but that is just a personal preference)