cpu fan has become noisy

[badbrk]

My cpu fan has developed an intermitent sort of clicking sound.
I have an almost 3 year old Athlon 800 MZ CPU mounted in
a Biostar Motherboard (M7VKB). The fan is an ARX ball bearing
cooler. I believe it is a 35 mm fan. I've tried to locate another one just like, but I haven't been able to find it in stock. I'm considering 2 options. The first is just to let
it run and hope for the best. The second is to replace the
heatsink and fan.
Any suggestions?
If I replace the heatsink and fan, what are good brands and models? I prefer simple, quiet and easy to install heatsinks and fans.

[Cricket]

Is that a Slot A or Socket 462 (or Socket A) CPU?

Most of the Socket A heatsinks use a 60mm fan that is replaceable.

If you're using a Slot A processor, I can't help you since I can't remember what kind of heatsink and fan those things used.

One thing you could do is take the fan off the heatsink and take it to Radio Shack or a computer shop and ask for a good replacement. No need to replace the whole heatsink/fan unit (unless you really want to).

Cricket