Quiet Computer Fan

[Quang]

Fellow computer savvy MRers,
I want to change the computer fan on my Dell to make it quieter.
I currently have this model NMB fan: 3612KL-04W-B66
Here's NMB part numbering system.
I have no idea what all this means, just want to know what fans are quieter/what to look for/ compatability issues.
Processor is Pentium 4 CPU 2.53ghz. Any advice or recommendation appreciated. Thanks.

 

[reefman]

fan's noise is measure in dBA. the less dBA the quietier it is. dell fans r crap.
heres one thats quiet compare to regular ones. its a case fan not cpu fan.
most dell parts r pos in a pretty box with a dell logo on it.

 

[ScubaChinchilla]

just stick a 120mm fan in there more air flow and less noise, it dosent have to fit perfect as long as it can be zip tied I don't want you to drill the case if it void's their warranty. wait are you talking about the case fan or processor fan? If its a processor fan they have water cooling options that start around 89$ that fit into a drive bay if you want to go that way.

 

[fritz]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185004
At 8.7 Db this sucker almost has negative noise output!

 

[vinny]

just take your case off and clean all the dust around the fan and on the fan and it should be more quiet

 

[Salesbig]

just take your case off and clean all the dust around the fan and on the fan and it should be more quiet

Exactly.. most fans dont make much noise.. they start to make noise when they get clogged up with dirt.
not much you can really do about it.. even after you try to clean it
best bet.. new fan

 

[Quang]

cool! thanks all. i'll try giving the pc a clean, i just get so nervous opening the thing up.
fritz, thats a really quiet fan!