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Noctua NF-A14 PWM vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison

Noctua NF-A14 PWM and Zalman ZM-F3 separate most on max speed: Noctua NF-A14 PWM at 1500 RPM, Zalman ZM-F3 at 1200 RPM, 20% in favour of Noctua NF-A14 PWM. They match on bearing type, fan thickness and rated life.

Specs

Specification
Noctua NF-A14 PWM (140mm/82.5 CFM/1.99 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/24.6 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-A14 PWM
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 Size140 mm120 mm
BrandNoctuaZalman
ModelNF-A14 PWMZM-F3
Bearing TypeFluid DynamicFluid Dynamic
LightingNoneNo RGB
Fan Thickness25 mm25 mm
Max Speed1500 RPM1200 RPM-20%
Noise Level24.6 dBA+1.6 dBA23 dBA
Rated Life150000 hours150000 hours
Weight190 g100 g
PositioningPremiumBudget
Source URLhttps://www.noctua.at/en/products/nf-a14-pwm/specificationshttps://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?pageIndex=10&pageSize=10&productSeq=335

Price comparison

RetailerNoctua NF-A14 PWMZalman ZM-F3
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-A14 PWM

9 / 10 Expert Rating

The default recommendation for a 140mm airflow fan when looks don't matter and quiet running does.

Zalman ZM-F3

5 / 10 Expert Rating

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

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