First, you (probably) can't just replace a rim with another rim. If the effective rim diameter (ERD) is the same, you can but that is seldom the case. The ERD is the measure of the inner diameter of the rim plus the nipple head and the amount of spoke that is threaded into that nipple. Ideally, the spoke should be flush with the slot of the nipple when the wheel is tensioned. Differences in the rim...like a taller cross-section or a flatter profile... have a profound effect on the ERD.

Wheel building isn't simple, either. You can learn to build wheels but it does take time and practice. The principles are fairly simple but the execution has a lot of details that take time to learn...like knowing about ERD. The best time to start to learn is now but you might need some help and/or someone to check your work.

But the problem you describe may not be related to the rim. Front wheels seldom have problems. The symmetrical nature of the wheel makes it mostly bombproof. And spoke or rim issues are seldom noisy. I'd look for other issues first. Check the bearings to see if they are lubricated and adjusted properly. Check the fork to see that the wheel is tight in the fork. Check the headset and stem while you are at it. Bicycles can be pretty good sounding boards so sounds get moved around fairly well.