Loud computer fan at idle

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Aegis91

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Feb 7, 2015
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My computer is very loud, even in an idle state. I cleared dust, etc from the inside, but no luck. I am thinking it is wear and tear because this is a five year-old budget PC, with hardware that is probably even older. Here are some links:

Build: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/ftvZvK

Idle CPU, it seems normal - fluctuates between 1% - 15%:

http://imgur.com/drjO7BU

Here is a link of core temp:
http://imgur.com/TFGgIjg

Process Explorer:
http://imgur.com/RVOrGC6

Short of a clean reinstall, is there anything out of the ordinary?
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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Usual rules apply:

Find and kill any apps/processes you don't need to free up CPU time and reduce its load.
Run malware/AV sweeps to ensure nothing nasty is taking up CPU time and loading it up.
Run a system cleaner like Ccleaner to clear out the low level crud, it's amazing how much stuff hides in the .Temp folders scattered throughout Windows.
Check the CPU cooler is installed correctly, with that big 125Watt CPU it's essential the cooler is solidly installed and good quality thermal paste has been used to keep the temperatures in check.
 
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Aegis91

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Feb 7, 2015
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Thanks for the advice. I did your first three suggestions earlier, and nothing changed. Should I remove the heat-sink and reapply thermal paste? The only other fan that I have is the case fan. Would a better fan be ideal? I suspect I should buy some new paste as it is four years-old :p
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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If you remove the cooler, yes, you must replace the thermal paste.
With such an old installation, expect the cooler to be a little hard to remove, don't just pull it, or you risk damaging the CPU pins, instead use a twisting action along with a rocking motion to free it.
Once the cooler is off, remove the fan, it's probably held on by 4 phillips screws so you can get the heatsink fins properly clean. Also CAREFULLY clean the fan blades using a cotton bud soaked in cleaning fluid. Be very careful here, the blades are often very brittle.
 
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Aegis91

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Feb 7, 2015
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Hi there,

I cleaned my computer and reattached the heat sink to the CPU. It was really, really, quiet for about two hours, and now it is just as a loud as before. It does become quieter if I close everything and do nothing, which is new.

Edit: Although I know nothing about CPU fans, would purchasing a CPU fan to replace the stock fan be optimal? When I have a couple of web browser tabs open, my core temps are 45-50c. Idle is 42c-45c, gaming is 70c-75c, and I have an estimated maximum of 89c. Are these normal readings? Room is 26 - 28c.
 
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