Internet connection????

[20mmrain]

I can build computers and I know a good deal about them everything except the internet connections!!!!! I just built a new computer specifically for gaming and really nothing much else! My new computer specs are
ASUS P5Q-EM MOB
Intel Core 2 DUO
G.Skill 4 GIG RAM 2x2048 800MHz
Western Digital 500 GIG 7200 rpm 32MB Cache
H.I.S ATI HD 4850
OCZ 700 watt modular PSU
(ethernet connection on MOB arrived DOA so Instead of waiting RMA I added a Ethernet card From old computer I had. Not sure of brand name but specs.... are Gigabit Ethernet Card PCI 10/100/1000* card really not that old plus on other computers I've had similar problems regardless what hook up was with this modem!)

Now My question is...... While in the game and you click on your net status My FPS (on top) looks pretty solid but My Internet connection seems to be spiking allot! I'm not sure how to explain it except for this way so sorry if its crude! On the side of the lower box you have 3 or 4 dashes. My line stays = to the first line on the bottom with allot of valleys going down! Now I guess what I'm asking is this normal or not! I do notice so lag and skips but not a horrible amount but of course because my computer is new I want it working the best it can be! I have checked my Dxdaig and Background programs nothing wrong there.
Now if this is not normal can someone tell me what is. Even Better yet could someone maybe explain to me on how to read and interpret this? Or Skuzzy If your reading this is it something if I called you might be able to help me with?
I understand this is a broad based Question and It might not make to much sense but if people can answer it to the best of their ability I would be very grateful! 

[The Fugitive]

open it in the game and take a screen shot, them post it. Easier than trying to describe it.

[20mmrain]

I will do in my next post tonight!

[bj229r]

You have almost the same machine as I, except I only have 2 gigs ram, and I use dialup (which CAN run AH perfectly)

[Denholm]

Errm.... The ASUS P5Q has had a lot of complaints recently. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the motherboard causing this. On the other hand, have you run a PingPlot to the HTC MA server? If not, run a trace for 5-10 minutes then post the results here. This could also be an issue with the ISP and not your computer.