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Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism vs Zalman ZM-F3 noise level compared
These two are close on paper, and noise level is the only measure that separates them at all: Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism 27.0 dBA against Zalman ZM-F3 23 dBA. Bearing type is not the same on both, Rifle on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus Fluid Dynamic on the Zalman ZM-F3. Add max speed to that, 1800 RPM on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus 1200 RPM on the Zalman ZM-F3, and the pattern holds. They differ on lighting too, RGB on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus No RGB on the Zalman ZM-F3. Positioning is not the same on both, Mainstream on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus Budget on the Zalman ZM-F3.
Who each one is for
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism suits Cooler Master RGB ecosystem builds and show-window mirror-finish aesthetics, though it is not built for max-static-pressure radiator duty and silent 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 Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism (6/10): A reasonable mid-tier RGB fan, worth it mainly for the mirror-finish look rather than outright performance. Our rating of the Zalman ZM-F3 (5/10): A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size and colors read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 120 mm
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 120 mm
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Cooler Master
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Zalman
Model
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- MF120 Prism
- Zalman ZM-F3
- ZM-F3
Bearing Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Rifle
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- RGB
- Zalman ZM-F3
- No RGB
Max Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 1800 RPMBest
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 1200 RPM-33%
Noise Level
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 27.0 dBA
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 23 dBABest
Positioning
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Mainstream
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Budget
Colors
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Black
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Black
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism if you want the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1200 RPM).
Choose Zalman ZM-F3 if you want the lower noise level (23 dBA vs 27.0 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism | Zalman ZM-F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Store | View on Cooler Master Store | |
| 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
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier RGB fan, worth it mainly for the mirror-finish look rather than outright performance.
Zalman ZM-F3
5 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.