What makes GPU loud?

[novaboi24]

So I'm pretty new to PC gaming and I remember that when the AMD R9 290(X) first came out, the stock versions were very loud + hot. But what about the actual GPU made it loud? Was it the stock fans?

 

With the introduction of after-market "coolers" and "fans" I saw in a review that the R9 290(X) were only several DBs above it's rivals (Nvidia). So what's your take on this? If after-market version of the R9 290 was significantly cheaper than the GTX 780, with the issue of heat and sound neutralised, wouldn't it be better to go for AMD over Nvidia in this case?

 

Source of review: http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphics/64705-gigabyte-radeon-r9-290x-windforce-oc/?page=10

 

Thanks everyone for you input!

 

P.S. If I misunderstood the review then feel free to make me look silly >_< I don't mind making mistakes as long as I'm learning.

[AlwaysFSX]

The fans are what makes it loud with it being terrible at creating drag which causes noise.

[SAV1OUR]

the stock fans on most gpus are just loud in my opinion 

[DIV1D3]

The non-reference 290s are superior to the 780, the Sapphire Tri-X is the best performer. The only down side to the 29 is the price atm, though it's still cheaper than the 780. 

[novaboi24]

That cleared everything up. Thanks!

[DJHoro]

Graphic cards are louder when the fans spin faster (some more than others) and they spin faster because they are reaching a certain temperature thresh hold. The hotter a gpu is the faster fans are gonna want to spin to get the heat out.

[Faa]

With 780's you set the GPU to maintain a certain temp for instance set it at like 75°, once the card reaches that temp it will downclock or the gpu load will just drop to maintain that temperature and therefore resulting in less noise since the fans dont have to spin faster.

[Prototype_]

General rules of thumb: Everything that moves (physically) makes a sound. The faster it moves, the louder the sound. The better the quality, the quieter the sound (mostly due to proper decoupling).

Regards

EDIT: That's also why you can hear your HDDs while writing, but not your SSDs (because they are basically giant USB-Sticks)