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Noctua NF-F12 PWM vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison
Noctua NF-F12 PWM and Zalman ZM-F3 differ on bearing type: Noctua NF-F12 PWM at SSO2, Zalman ZM-F3 at Fluid Dynamic.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 | 120 mm |
| Brand | Noctua | Zalman |
| Model | NF-F12 PWM | ZM-F3 |
| Bearing Type | SSO2 | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | No RGB | No RGB |
| Max Speed | 1500 | 1200 RPM-20% |
| Noise Level | 22.4 | 23 dBA+0.6 dBA |
| Positioning | Premium | Budget |
| Colors | Brown/Beige | Black |
Price comparison
| Retailer | Noctua NF-F12 PWM | Zalman ZM-F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua | View on Noctua | |
| 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
Noctua NF-F12 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.
Zalman ZM-F3
5 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.