[Solved] Throttling down the CPU fan

1) not a thermal paste issue, it was just as warm with the stock cooler, the larger/older stock cooler brought it down 2-3*c (I think that is due to using aftermarket paste instead of the stock intel crap), but it's pretty much the same as it was.
2) it's not like it sounds like a turbine where there is a bad bearing, it is how the fan is supposed to sound, just a few settings too high.

I know that the real issue is that it is a cheap mobo without much power management, and I was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas on how to trick it into running at a lower RPM, just enough to take the edge off the harshness of the Intel cooler (they all sound s bit harsh to me). Perhaps an aftermarket cooler that runs at a set speed (again, this is an office PC, the hardest thing it does is play back HD video on occasion)? Or software/BIOS mods that could add the feature? Some some other unconventional trick that someone knows of.

Thanks again.

I'll check out speed fan and see if that does the trick, Ive always been able to set the fan speed via the mobo, so I was kinda taken back when there were no settings on that board (the rest of the board seems pretty top-notch considering the price I paid. Overall I have been impressed with Zotac's quality/$).

I didn't even consider tying it in with the other fan on the case fan controller instead of the CPU fan controller, that would probably do the trick just fine as well. Another thing I am considering is picking up a hyper 212+ for my system (Ive wanted one for a while as they are quieter than my CNP, and there is a local shop with them on sale), and moving the zalman CNP over to hers as the fan is quieter at the same speeds, but I will try your suggestions first.

Thanks much!

No probs man, I always think laterally before spending money hehe, its more fun
keep us updated as to progress/lack thereof please,
and thank you for B.A.
Moto