CPU fan is too loud. Any recommendations?

[madoka]

I have a Sony Vaio RX650 which has a 1.6 P4. Lately I've been really bothered with how loud it is so I opened up the case and found that the fan on top of the CPU is the likely culprit.

1. Having never put a computer together how hard is it to replace this fan?

2. Any recommendations for a quiet fan?

3. Anything else I should be aware before making the switch?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[thetman]

well first, make sure you know the size of the fan. they are usually 80mm, 92mm, or 120mm. also check to see how the fan connects to the power. is it 3 pin or 4 pin? then find the right fan online. for 80mm or 92mm, the panaflo L1A is very quiet. after you have the right fan, its easy to replace, just uncrew the old one, screw in the new one, and plug the new one in where the old one was plugged in.

 

[Zepper]

Zalman Fan Matel...
.bh.

 

[akira34]

You should, also, find out how much air that stock fan moves. I wouldn't go with a fan (same size, or even larger) that won't move as much air. This is rather important on processors, since the air is needed to remove the heat transferred to the heat sink. Less air means less cooling of the heatsink, which usually makes for a warmer/hotter processor. Some processor fans are either 60mm or 70mm, check the size of the one you have. You can find adapters for the 60mm and 80mm to go larger. I've yet to find one to go from 70mm to 80mm, 92mm or 120mm. That's the only thing stopping me from (maybe) replacing the fan on my own processor. IF I was to do that, I'd want to go with a 92mm fan that moves just as much air, but does it at lower db levels.

Of course, you COULD just get a new heatsink that's more efficient and then install the fan that will mate up to it. Most heatsinks that don't come with fans tell you what you should look for as far as fan spec's go.

 

[SneakyStuff]

BIGGEST problem with buying aftermarket fans on retail systems are the proprietary fan connectors. I went out and got a 92mm fan for my old Dell right? Came home, installed it, then realized, the power connector on the mobo didnt fit it DOH! If your motherboard has a standard power connector (Beige, with 3 pins exposed, and a beige running back) then you should be set to upgrade.