I am having similar issues with Photoshop CC as well. I'm using it on my work computer and everything runs fine until I perform certain tasks in photoshop.
For example, today i have a small photoshop file that has only 3 layers in it. Two of the layers are paths that have gradients and bevels applied to them. they are graphics used for buttons on my website. All I am trying to do is extend the height of the buttons by dragging the path points down.
So what happens is I click the path tool. Then I sit and wait for the PS to repond. I see the hard drive light blinking and running forever. I waited today for 15 minutes and finally just gave up. I had to use the Task Manager to force it to close.
I have a reasonably good machine (though now its 3 years old). It should be able to handle this task.
i7-2600 CPU @ 3.4 Ghz
4 GB RAM
Windows 7 Pro, SP 1
I never ran into these problems with PS CS6 so it makes me thing that there is something wrong with PS CC. I am going to test PS CS6 doing the same exact thing I just tried with CC.