Noisy, whining fan at startup on northbridge....

[DevilsAdvocate]

Is there any way to fix this beyond just ripping it off and replacing the cooler with a larger heatsink?

 

[Iron Woode]

Maybe.

See if you can find the lubrication hole and put 1 drop of 3-in-1 oil in it. Worked for my old Slot Fan (you know the ones that take up one PCI slot).