Changing CPU-fan + OEM question

[MasterOfThessus]

Hi guys!

You helped me a lot when I was getting a new GFX-card, and I'm happy for all the help you gave me. So I've got some more questions:

1. My CPU-fan is making a ticking sounds, so I'm looking at getting it replaced. I don't want anything fancy, just something that's easy to install. No OCing needed. My CPU is a Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 6600 2.4 ghz, so it's running a 775 socket. Any advice on what to buy?

2. With the computer came a OEM install of Windows Vista, that's locked to 32 bits. If I want it upgraded to windows 7, or just a vista 64 bit, is that possible? Can I use my OEM license to make it 64 bit, or do I need to buy a new license?

Cheers in advance, and thank you for your help

[Jaketh]

1. Thats actually the CPU i had in my last computer if you want something cheap that works id recommend this , it is similar to the one i had on mine, its cheap and it works

2.Im fairly certain you cannot use the OEM license to change anything i may be wrong but if you want to upgrade to 64bit your probably going to need to purchase another version of Windows. Id recommend Windows 7 Professional 64bit.

[MasterOfThessus]

Well I'm pretty sure it's the fan, since the sound stops when I move the computer around, or stop the fan. It sounds like it is hitting something, but I've cheked all the cables etc.

If I buy an new windows, can I just smack that ontop of my old OEM version?

[Jaketh]

Well I'm pretty sure it's the fan, since the sound stops when I move the computer around, or stop the fan. It sounds like it is hitting something, but I've cheked all the cables etc.

If I buy an new windows, can I just smack that ontop of my old OEM version?

If your using the stock heatsink your better off getting a new one, and dual booting Vista and Windows 7 shouldnt be a issue

[MasterOfThessus]

I'm not specifically lookig for dual booting, I'd just like to get rid of vista and replace it with 7

Any tip on what fan I should get? and what is the difference between heatsink and fan?

[Jaketh]

I'm not specifically lookig for dual booting, I'd just like to get rid of vista and replace it with 7

Any tip on what fan I should get? and what is the difference between heatsink and fan?

Almost all heatsinks today have fans attacked to them, older CPU's would have just a big copper or aluminum heatsink that would dissipate the heat but newer cpu's run hotter so they attached fans onto them, if you think its just the fan that bad you should be able to detach it and attach another fan of the same size. What is your current cpu heatsink? As for getting rid of Vista, when you go to install Windows 7 it will show you the partition that Vista is currently installed on, if you go to advanced options you can choose to format the drive which will clean it up for a Windows 7 installation