Custom Built PC - Recently upgraded Mobo, CPU, Motherboard

[lindercannon]

I recently upgraded my Motherboard, CPU, and RAM for my desktop computer. I'll include my current specs below.

I'm wondering why my CPU benchmark is well below the norm for an Intel i7 7700k 4.2 ghz. I do not have it OC'd in any way and am running on a liquid cooler.

I am also noticing a random clicking sound (just a quick click) coming from my case. It seems to happen once every few minutes. If it happens while I am gaming, it will quickly freeze for a split second and then continue as normal. As I type this, I am also hearing it happen about every 1-2 minutes while not under load. I'm not sure what is causing it. Is there a chance my CPU is not properly seated? Is there a chance the motherboard is bad? What about the power supply or a hard drive on the fritz? I'm not really sure how to validate either...

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

I've run Memtest 86+ without an issue. I've also used SeaTools for Windows to do a short check on my hard drives and they both passed. There are also no SMART failures currently.

Here are my current system specs:

OS: Windows 10 Pro
CPU: Intel i7-7700k @ 4.2ghz (stock)
HSF: Cooler Master Seidon 120v
Mobo: Gigabyte Z270XP-SLI
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 16 GB - DDR4 3200 (I have the XMP profile turned on in BIOS)
Video Card: Asus Dual GTX 1060 6GB
Hard Drives: WDC WD10EZEX-60ZF5A0
ST1000DM005 HD103SJ
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B Bronze Power Supply, 750 Watt 80PLUS

[David (PassMark)]

Maybe the hard drive is spinning down into a low power state, and the click is it spinning up again (which also explains the split second freeze).

See this post initially for low benchmark results
Causes and Solutions for a slow PC