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Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison

Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap and Zalman ZM-F3 separate most on max speed: Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap at 2000 RPM, Zalman ZM-F3 at 1200 RPM, 40% in favour of Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap. They match on 4 other specifications, including fan size, bearing type and fan thickness.

Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (120mm/60.1 CFM/2.34 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.6 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
NoctuaNoctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
ZalmanZalman ZM-F3

Specs

Specification
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (120mm/60.1 CFM/2.34 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.6 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Zalman ZM-F3
Fan Size120 mm120 mm
BrandNoctuaZalman
ModelNF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swapZM-F3
Bearing TypeFluid DynamicFluid Dynamic
LightingNoneNo RGB
Fan Thickness25 mm25 mm
Max Speed2000 RPM1200 RPM-40%
Noise Level22.6 dBA23 dBA+0.4 dBA
Rated Life150000 hours150000 hours
Weight205 g100 g
PositioningPremiumBudget
Source URLhttps://www.noctua.at/en/products/nf-a12x25-pwm-chromax-black-swap/specificationshttps://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?pageIndex=10&pageSize=10&productSeq=335

Price comparison

RetailerNoctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swapZalman ZM-F3
AmazonView on Amazon
NeweggView on Newegg
ZalmanView 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

Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap

9 / 10 Expert Rating

Same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.

Zalman ZM-F3

5 / 10 Expert Rating

A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.

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