Can I replace the stock cpu fan without changing the heatsink?

[imported_littlej]

Hi,

I Have Asus k8s-mx motherboard and a sempron 2800+ with a AMD Certified Opteron/64/FX Heatsink that came with it. I got the combo from Monarch. I'm using the onboard video and sound and lan, so the pc case(sonata) is pretty empty.

The cpu fan is BY FAR the loudest thing in there. Can I replace just the fan? It looks like it's just screwed on with 4 screws. What would be a good quiet fan to replace it with? I tried speedfan to slow it down, but the speed would not change. The warmest my cpu has been is 30 C, just net surfing. Thanks,

Jason

my current heatsink/fan

 

[Melectricus]

I have to admit, I've done it before. If the fan is 70mmx 15 mm here is a 28db replacment at nexfan. Don't know if this is better (probably better) or worse as far as noise, I'm sure it's not as good on cfm.

You have to be really careful on pressure to unscrew the fan and screw a new on back in; I personally don't recommend it.

Why don't you just get a simple adjustable zalman like here to trim the speed and noise. Your temps seem good and any slower or less cfm fan would probably accomplish the same, this way you are not screwing with the fan/heatsink and can ajust to some noise/temp level you are comfortable with.

 

[Chode Messiah]

It is quite easy to do, but make sure the new fan is exactly like the old one in size, or the screw threads won't line up.

 

[imported_Bleh]

Or you might be able to rig up a 80 mm fan to it maybe with a little tape or perhaps use a 70 mm to 80mm fan adapter (dont know for sure if this would work)

 

[CrispyFried]

If temp are good just get a plug in fan controller, it goes between the fan header and fan. I have a three speed one for my CPU fan and its on low. It sure quieted my 60 mm cpu fan down, it was the loudest thing in my comp. It also has a fan failure warning beeper.

Just test it with prime95 and see if temps are OK. My case has 5 fans with 2 (or three counting the psu fan) right next to it and a side fan that hits it so even on low I wound up with almost the same temps as when it was on high.

 

[imported_littlej]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to try a 70->80 mm fan adapter and a panaflo L1A and maybe a fanmate too.