Fans have become louder... right?

[Pope Mobile]

Would this be a correct assessment? Perhaps a more accurate analysis would be that *certain* types of fans have become louder. I recently upgraded my videocard from a GeForce FX5200 (PCI) to a Radeon 9800 SE. The difference in the fan noise is extremely noticeable; the GeForce was almost silent, while the Radeon 9800SE is like another case fan. Other earlier vidoecards, like past ATI and GeForce cards I had (forgetting the models), were also closer to the FX5200 in noise than the 9800 SE. I'm also *positive* that CPU fans have become louder. Heck, I've seen some Pentium II's that ran without fans at all. The jump in noise between a P3 and higher end P4 is also quite obvious.

So, two questions. Has anyone else observed this trend, moreso in videocards (since the CPU heatsink fans is a settled issue)? Second, is there any way to reduce noise without getting a new card or heatsink? Most replacement heatsinks I see are in the range of $30 and sometimes require an extra PCI slot. I've tried oiling the fan, which helps somewhat, but this thing... makes Oog want to smash.

[trowand]

Yes, fans are getting louder because as processor and GPU speeds increase so does voltage and thus temperature. So fans are getting bigger and are running faster at higher RPM to move more air. This is especially noticable on thermostatically controlled fans where case temperatures are increasing. As far as reducing noise, I know that they sell filters for case fans that can help reduce noise and they sell adhesive foam to line the inside of your case with to help soundproof it. Also, many brands and models of quiet fans are hitting the market such as Vantec's Stealth line of fans which are supposed to be really quiet.