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Arctic F14 PWM vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison
Arctic F14 PWM vs Zalman ZM-F3 fan size compared
The first real difference is fan size: Arctic F14 PWM 140 mm against Zalman ZM-F3 120 mm. Max speed runs the same way, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F14 PWM versus 1200 RPM on the Zalman ZM-F3, another win for Arctic F14 PWM. Fan thickness is not the same on both, 27 mm on the Arctic F14 PWM versus 25 mm on the Zalman ZM-F3. Weight is closer, 180 g on the Arctic F14 PWM versus 100 g on the Zalman ZM-F3.
Who each one is for
The Arctic F14 PWM is the one to take for budget builds filling multiple 140mm mounts and basic front, top, or rear exhaust duty, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or high-restriction airflow paths and RGB or showcase builds. Buy the Zalman ZM-F3 for bargain-bin case fan replacements and quiet, low-cost builds, though it is not the pick for radiator or heatsink duty and RGB builds. Our rating of the Arctic F14 PWM (6/10): an unglamorous but reliable budget 140mm fan that punches above its price for basic case airflow. Our rating of the Zalman ZM-F3 (5/10): A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.
What Arctic F14 PWM and Zalman ZM-F3 have in common
Everything else lines up. Noise level, bearing type, lighting and positioning read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic F14 PWM
- 140 mm
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic F14 PWM
- Arctic
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Zalman
Model
- Arctic F14 PWM
- F14 PWM
- Zalman ZM-F3
- ZM-F3
Bearing Type
- Arctic F14 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic F14 PWM
- No RGB
- Zalman ZM-F3
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic F14 PWM
- 27 mm
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 25 mm
Max Speed
- Arctic F14 PWM
- 1350 RPMBest
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 1200 RPM-11%
Noise Level
- Arctic F14 PWM
- 23 dBA
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 23 dBA
Weight
- Arctic F14 PWM
- 180 g
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 100 gBest
Positioning
- Arctic F14 PWM
- Budget
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Budget
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic F14 PWM if you want the higher max speed (1350 RPM vs 1200 RPM).
Choose Zalman ZM-F3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic F14 PWM | Zalman ZM-F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Zalman | View on Zalman |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Arctic F14 PWM
6 / 10 Expert Rating
An unglamorous but reliable budget 140mm fan that punches above its price for basic case airflow.
Zalman ZM-F3
5 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.