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SilverStone AP121 vs Zalman ZM-F3: Comparison
SilverStone AP121 vs Zalman ZM-F3 noise level compared
There is no decisive spec gap here. Noise level splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, SilverStone AP121 22.4 dBA against Zalman ZM-F3 23 dBA. SilverStone AP121 also leads on max speed, 1500 RPM on the SilverStone AP121 versus 1200 RPM on the Zalman ZM-F3. They differ on positioning too, Balanced mainstream on the SilverStone AP121 versus Budget on the Zalman ZM-F3. There is a split on colors as well, Black frame, transparent blue blades on the SilverStone AP121 versus Black on the Zalman ZM-F3.
Which should you buy, SilverStone AP121 or Zalman ZM-F3?
Buy the SilverStone AP121 for SilverStone case builds wanting brand-matched fans and balanced airflow and static pressure needs, though it is the wrong buy for builds chasing best-in-class performance and RGB or showcase builds. The Zalman ZM-F3 is the one to take for bargain-bin case fan replacements and quiet, low-cost builds, though it is not built for radiator or heatsink duty and RGB builds. Our rating of the SilverStone AP121 (6/10): A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build 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
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, bearing type, lighting and fan thickness included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- SilverStone AP121
- 120 mm
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 120 mm
Brand
- SilverStone AP121
- SilverStone
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Zalman
Model
- SilverStone AP121
- AP121
- Zalman ZM-F3
- ZM-F3
Bearing Type
- SilverStone AP121
- Fluid Dynamic
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- SilverStone AP121
- No RGB
- Zalman ZM-F3
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- SilverStone AP121
- 25 mm
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 25 mm
Max Speed
- SilverStone AP121
- 1500 RPMBest
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 1200 RPM-20%
Noise Level
- SilverStone AP121
- 22.4 dBABest
- Zalman ZM-F3
- 23 dBA
Positioning
- SilverStone AP121
- Balanced mainstream
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Budget
Colors
- SilverStone AP121
- Black frame, transparent blue blades
- Zalman ZM-F3
- Black
Which one should you pick?
Choose SilverStone AP121 if you want the higher max speed (1500 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 23 dBA).
Choose Zalman ZM-F3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | SilverStone AP121 | 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
SilverStone AP121
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.
Zalman ZM-F3
5 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.