The evaluation of intrinsic dissipation based on self-heating effect in high-cycle metal fatigue is systematically studied via an approach combining theory, experiment and simulation. The three evaluation approaches, i.e. the one-dimensional, the zero-dimensional and the rate-based approaches, are presented within a unifying theoretical framework, in which most of equations are derived and expressed in a new way, and some new concepts are introduced to facilitate finding the key to intrinsic dissipation evaluation. In accordance with the experiment and simulation results, the fatigue self-heating effect and the three evaluation approaches are analyzed and discussed in depth.