Noise emissions (“volume”) and fan speeds
The analysis of the fan curves of the GeForce RTX 5090 and their correlation with the audio measurements in an acoustic measurement chamber provides valuable insights into the optimization of the card’s noise development. The fan curves of the RTX 5090 SUPRIM are designed to ensure a good balance between cooling performance and noise level. MSI has deliberately implemented three separate fan controls on the RTX 5090 SUPRIM, where the fans have slightly different speeds. This approach aims to minimize acoustic noise such as resonance, humming and frequency modulation in the audible range that can occur with synchronized fan speeds.
If all fans are operated at almost exactly the same speed, mechanical resonances can occur. These resonances result from the superimposition of vibrations and produce an amplified acoustic effect, which is noticeable as an unpleasant humming or roaring noise. This effect can be amplified in closed enclosures in particular, as the resonance frequencies of the enclosure interact with the vibrations of the fans. The use of separate controls with slightly different speeds prevents these frequencies from overlapping and thus reduces the risk of such resonance effects.
Another advantage of this asynchrony is the avoidance of “humming”. This phenomenon occurs when uniformly rotating fans generate air flows that influence each other. These uniform air flows can generate periodic pressure changes in the air flow, which are perceived as a low-frequency hum. The different speeds interrupt this uniformity, which significantly reduces the humming and ensures more even air circulation.
Frequency modulations in the audible range occur when the fan speeds fluctuate by a few RPM or when several fans operate at slightly different frequencies. This spreads them over a wider frequency spectrum, which makes them less disturbing to the human ear. Instead of a clearly perceptible sound or a dominant noise, a more diffuse sound profile is created, which is perceived as more pleasant. I have averaged all three values here:
The measurements in the acoustic chamber show that the noise development of the MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM is primarily influenced by the fan speed. At low to medium speeds, the background noise remains remarkably inconspicuous, which can be attributed to several technical optimizations. The aerodynamically designed fan blades reduce turbulence in the airflow, while the low-vibration bearings minimize mechanical noise. As a result, the card operates extremely quietly under moderate loads and is barely perceptible in normal environments.
Under intensive load, when higher speeds are required, the noise level increases as expected. Nevertheless, the noise development remains lower compared to previous generations. This indicates a significant improvement in the fan design and cooling strategy. Even at maximum performance, the background noise remains controllable and does not reach unpleasant levels that could impair the user experience. The card’s precisely tuned fan control plays a central role in this. It avoids sudden and sharp changes in fan speed, which could be perceived as acoustic peaks. Instead, the fan speed is adjusted gently, which makes the operating noise appear more even and pleasant for the user.
The measured noise levels, expressed in dB(A), correlate directly with the temperature curves of the card. This underlines the fact that the fan curves have been carefully designed to offer an optimum balance between effective cooling and minimal noise development. In silent mode, the average is only around 31.2 dBA, which is de facto barely audible.
In gaming mode, it is slightly louder at 36.4 dBA, but here it is at the level of the Founders Edition with 25 watts less TDP and around 150 MHz less clock speed as well as significantly lower temperatures.
And to round it all off, the comparison of the MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM SOC in silent mode with the Founders Edition. Both cards run in Cyberpunk 2077 and UHD with 99% load for over 15 minutes. First, the MSI card in silent mode, which you can hardly hear:
The Founders Edition is much more present:
- 1 - Introduction, overview and technical data
- 2 - Test system and equipment
- 3 - Teardown: PCB, components and cooler
- 4 - Material analysis and heat conducting materials
- 5 - Gaming performance
- 6 - Power consumption, load peaks, PSU recommendation
- 7 - Temperatures, clock rates and thermography
- 8 - Fan curves and operating noise
- 9 - Summary and conclusion
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