Processor started making noise

[bpmasher]

It started today, a sort of a vibrating sound as if the cooler is rubbing against something while spinning. I checked the CPU temperature using HWMonitor and it says 38-40 degrees celsius.

I don't know what to do? I tried pushing the screws of the cooler in tighter but it didn't help. My case can't fit an OC cooler, but I could get another fan if that will solve the problem?

My processor is an Intel i5 4670k with a stock cooler and MOBO is Asus Z-87A.

 

[NTMBK]

Could be that the bearings are shot.

There's plenty of low-profile "stock cooler" style coolers out there. Something like this one from Arctic Cooling should fit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA85V3RJ0605

 

[Burpo]

It may require more than just pushing down on the pins. You should probably take a good look at how it's mounted, if wires are rubbing the fan etc. You may have to remove it & clean the blades, checking for cracks or breaks in the thin plastic fan guard. Consider replacing it with an after market cooler, There are plenty available with similar profile as the stock fan.

 

[ehume]

When the system is off, spin the fan passively and see if it makes noise.

What case? Can you afford to put a real heatsink in there?

 

[Cogman]

Yes, it is likely the fan that has gone bad. An easy test to prove this out, what happens if you push in the center of the fan while the computer is running? Does it get quieter?

I've had a few fans go out on me, and what you describe is what I would see. Fans are cheap, so a new one will be fine. The ah heck is that I don't think the retail intel heatsink uses a standard fan size, so you may need a new heatsink as well.