I'm running an Intel Pentium 4, 2.4GHz, 533MHz (Socket 478) processor on an MSI 845PE Max motherboard. When I built the computer, I installed a Thermaltake CPU fan. The computer is so noisy that you can hear it across to the other side of the house. I've changed out case fans to newer, quieter ones and I recently changed graphics card. I know the noise is not coming from the power supply, so it must be narrowed down to the CPU fan. I'd like to change it out, but what should I purchase to replace it? I've heard that the Zalman ones are great but extremely heavy. I also heard some conflicting reports about the Nexus PHT-3600. I really don't know where to turn. Anyone have ideas? Thanks!

I have a Zalman and I do like it alot. You can go to Newegg.com and read the reviews that the buyers posted. The Zalman's do have some weight to them but I'm not one to always move my computer anyway.

Most systems have several fans - CPU cooling fan, power supply, chipset fan, GPU fan (video card), & usually a couple of case fans. The 1st thing to do would be to identify where the noise is coming from. Asus A7N8X-X 1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz 768MB PC3200 Asus A9550 128MB/128-bit Gamer Edition WinME/WinXP Pro

Based on ur system i see no reason y u wanna throw away the stock HSF and use those fancy ones. There is more about cooling than just replacing stock HSF and installing case fans. Not really more actually haha but where you place your tower also has some effects on the overall temperature. I once put my P4 2.4C near the balcony where there's some cool cold air around. Guess what I overclocked my 2.4 to 3.06 w/ one fan case and the generic power supply. I dun know if that will impress you but the majority of ppl didn't believe I did that when I told them.

If you're sure it's the CPU fan then yes, Zalman ones are great. It's only the all-copper ones designed for overclocking that are heavy, the aluminium-copper hybrids are much lighter.