just spotted it out.
while launching diagnostic programs like Everest, CPU-Z or GPU-Z there's a significant delay
apparently caused by signcheck.exe that strats, stays in background and eventually unloads.
only then the diagnostics start up, but it takes quite a while.
i tried disabling IDS, Real Time Protection and Active Virus Control but no go.
i put all affected programs on the trusted list - still no difference.
is there anything i don't know, that can prevent signcheck.exe from execution?
TIA