CPU Fan is Loud, but the Temperature is OK (I Think)

I recently find that my CPU fan is getting louder and louder. It is now so loud that I bother to type up a question on it.

The first thing I check is the temperature using Core Temp, it seems that the temperature is OK for Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 ( I think):

But still, besides being annoying, I am not sure whether there is any other side effect of a loud fan, such as causing damages to my hardware. So my question is, is there anyway I can verify the correctness of the reading above, or is there any other thing I can do to reduce the noise level of the fan?

Edit: I have clean the dust on the fan ( there isn't a lot), and log into the BIOS. The BOIS stats are:

1. System temperature: 37
2. CPU temperature: 47
3. CPU fan speed: 1044 rpm
4. System fan 2 speed: 0 rpm
5. Power fan speed: 0 rpm
6. System fan 1 speed: 0 rpm.

Now, I wonder is it that my fan is failing? Because it seems that system fan and power fan are all 0 rpm.

Solution 1:

Your temps are not 'high' vis-a-vis how high those chips can stand, but they are extremely high compared to 'normal' operation.

If your CPU is that hot, you really should remove the heatsink fan, re-apply some good thermal paste, and re-apply the heatsink and fan. There are even videos that can show you what to do.

Steps:

1. Buy thermal paste (it shouldn't run more than $20 or so).
2. Remove Heatsink and fan.
3. Use a non-static cloth and alcohol (Q-tips work as well) to remove existing thermal paste from CPU die.
4. Let CPU dry.
5. Apply a grain of rice sized amount to CPU center
6. Spread with credit card (or some other card that can get it really thin.
7. Once it's on and really thin (less is more), re-install heatsink and fan.

If that's still giving you problems then you ought to improve airflow in your case:

1. Bundle wires and route them away from hanging on top of your CPU.
2. Add Case Fans.
3. Put Harddrives as far away from the CPU as possible.
4. Put Tower in a well ventilated area.

Solution 2:

If you've cleaned everything of dust, chances are the fan has a bearing or bushing that is wearing out. Just get a new one, since it's cheap insurance. Make sure you apply fresh thermal grease if you do replace it.

Solution 3:

The problem might be as banal as the air-evacuation ducts being clogged.

Opening up the computer case and vacuuming it out, and especially all openings, may in that case solve the problem.