Hey, even if the fan is too loud, just use RivaTuner to get the fan speeds down, for tasks where you don't need it so much.
As long as you keep a check on the internal core temps (it has an internal sensor which can be seen within the driver), and its not going too high, your fine
http://content.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatuner
For instance, you can set the 2D mode to minimum speed with no problems. Low Power 3D mode, can also be rather low. On games though, have it half way. Your going to have sound most likely anyway, which would overcome any whine the fans making at that point.
Up to 80 degrees or so I'd let mine go to while playing a game. Any higher than that, and I'd set the fan speed a little higher.
Its also an overclocker, etc, but I wouldn't mess with any other settings unless you know what your doing, as you can damage the hardware (Not that easily, but you can)