OT: Replacing CPU fan

[Greg Rundlett]

I have an Intel Pentium 4 2.53 GHz Socket 478 - Bus 533 MHZ - 512 KB L2 
Cache  CPU with an Intel fan and heatsink on it.

The fan started to make loud noises, and so I'm eager to replace it, 
although the noises have since stopped.  (I know the noise was from the 
CPU fan, not the case fan, because I removed the case and located the 
source of the sound).

The fan is under warranty, but I have to carry or mail the case to 
Wakefield, MA.  I'm contemplating buying a $20 fan and replacing it 
myself, but I've heard the warnings about breaking the clips, or plastic 
tabs, or damaging some part of the motherboard with an errant slip of 
the screwdriver, etc.

With the considerable sysAdmin talent on the list, I'm wondering what 
would you recommend to a hardware novice?  What is the assumed success 
rate of this task for someone who is mechanically inclined but not 
experienced in this procedure?  Any suggestions for finding a good fan?  
I've searched places like TigerDirect and NewEgg, but I'm not sure how 
to tell what fan will fit my system.

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