When I try to playback a video on the timeline after 20 seconds the mutes then freezes.

Hi, this is my first time posting here but at my limit.  This problem has been happening the last 2 weeks and I can't figure out how to fix it.

So I start a new project and import my footage then drag it into the sequence. I tend not to render my footage until I'm completely done editing, and instead, I watch the raw footage. The audio mutes while watching after 20 seconds, and a few seconds later the footage freezes. Mind you the timestamp counter is still going and after 2 minutes the footage may continue but it'll be choppy at best. 

I've tried deleting my media cache, upgrading my drives, and even had an Adobe help center person try to solve the issue. Unfortunately, nothing has stuck and it's making editing impossible. Has anyone else experienced this and know how to fix it?