Changing stock CPU fan

[1RTR]

A quick question for all you tech heads, from a complete novice. I have an off the shelf P4 3.0Ghz system. The CPU fan (Intel) is amazingly noisy, It sounds like a 747 on takeoff. I was wondering if it is possible to change the fan, not the heatsink unit just the fan, and make it quiter. If this can be done can anybody recommend a make of suitable fan. Please remember don't get to technical on me. I'm a complete novice and I'll cry.

Many Thanks

 

[Double Trouble]

In my experience, it's simply not worth the time or effort to take off the fan and replace it with another one. You're better off simply getting another (better and quieter) heatsink/fan combo and putting it on there. Your P4 will run cooler and quieter as well. Keep the Intel heatsink/fan around in case you ever need a replacement heatsink/fan.

Be careful replacing heatsinks, or you might end up breaking the CPU chip!