So yeah I didn't think I'd bring this up again but here's an update on my situation. I've since upgraded to PCSX 0.9.8 with the recently released new SPU2-X plugin and Nvidia 267.24 x64 Beta (Newer drivers cause a host of problems for me in various games).
Software rendering, Direct3D 10, Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm [PAL] (This game features both NTSC and PAL display modes)
No Aero, No Vsync, 50hz = Yes display tearing
No Aero, Vsync on, 50hz = No display tearing but stutters for like 1 frame every 10~ seconds with a minor audio hiccup.
No Aero, No Vsync, 60hz = Yes display tearing
No Aero, Vsync on, 60hz = No display tearing but stutters for like 1 frame every 10~ seconds with a minor audio hiccup.
With Hardware rendering, Direct3D 10 and No Aero I get screen tearing regardless of the Vsync setting, even forcing Vsync via Nvidia control panel does nothing to resolve it. (This issue pretty much affects any and all hardware accelerated windowed rendering engines for me regardless of program/game being run on my computer so it isn't limited to just PCSX2.).
With Hardware rendering, Direct3D 9/10 and Aero I get no screen tearing but I get random bursts of stutter periodically caused by Aero as discussed over in
this forum/thread. Currently only experienced in Bsnes and PCSX2.
I'm happy that the input lag issue has been resolved
just need a smooth/consistent FPS now without the minor stutter
Currently 60hz or 50hz with Vsync but no Aero is the best. Any and all help would be appreciated in getting this sorted out.