rank these cards by noise made

[natty1]

4850, 4870, gtx 260, gtx 280

 

[seemingly random]

This isn't a direct answer to the question but is a place to start. Fan noise is very subjective. Two like sized fans spinning at the same speed can sound different - one can be annoying and the other can be acceptable.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...-radeon-hd4850_14.html

 

[bunnyfubbles]

throw an Accelero S1 heatsink on the 4850 and run it passively for silent operation

 

[seemingly random]

Also [pg 22-fan noise]:

http://www.neoseeker.com/resourcelink.html?rid=159358

Remember that the numbers are just one component of noise.

Another thing to consider is the fan controller. The cheaper gpu's don't have fan control and supply a constant voltage to the fan no matter what the temp is. Others are not very responsive.

And there is the reference fan and then each manufacturer may have alternative coolers.