
Zalman ZM-F3
Expert rating5 / 10
- Fan Size:
- 120 mm
- Max Speed:
- 1200 RPM
- Noise Level:
- 23 dBA
- Bearing Type:
- Fluid Dynamic
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Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: Zalman Last updated: 2026-10-08
Where to buy
- ZalmanGo to store
Zalman ZM-F3 Review
Zalman ZM-F3 is a budget 120 mm, 25 mm thick case fan with a 1200 RPM maximum speed, a 150000 hour rated life, black frame, 100 g weight and no RGB.
The ZM-F3 is a basic 120 mm case fan at budget pricing. It is 25 mm thick, weighs 100 g, comes in black and tops out at 1200 RPM, with a 150000 hour rated life. There is no RGB lighting. The specs in our data are sparse, and the bearing type and PWM support are listed inconsistently, so check those on the listing you buy if speed control matters. It suits a cheap replacement or extra airflow, and it is a weak choice for builds with lighting.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the SilverStone FN121 above, the ZM-F3 is essentially a like-for-like budget fan, both prioritizing quiet operation over airflow or static pressure. Compared with the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 in our catalog, the ZM-F3 is smaller at 120mm and cheaper but gives up Noctua's bearing longevity reputation.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating5 / 10
A budget fan that does the basics quietly, nothing more, nothing less.
Best for
- Bargain-bin case fan replacements
- Quiet, low-cost builds
- Simple general airflow
Not for
- Radiator or heatsink duty
- RGB builds
- High-performance builds
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity and packaging
| Brand | Zalman |
|---|---|
| Model | ZM-F3 |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm |
Design
| Fan Size | 120 mm |
|---|---|
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | No RGB |
Performance
| Max Speed | 1200 RPM |
|---|---|
| Noise Level | 23 dBA |
Motor and bearing
| Rated Life | 150000 hours |
|---|
Physical and finish
| Weight | 100 g |
|---|
Market
| Positioning | Budget |
|---|
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?
Key specs for the Zalman ZM-F3: Noise Level 23 dBA, Max Speed 1200 RPM, Fan Size 120 mm, Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic, Fan Thickness 25 mm, Lighting No RGB.
Will the Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM) work with my current setup?
The Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM) lists Fan Size is 120 mm. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM) best suited to?
Best suited to: Bargain-bin case fan replacements; Quiet, low-cost builds; Simple general airflow.
What are the drawbacks of the Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/46.0 CFM/1.1 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.0 dBA/Sleeve Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?
Not the best fit for: Radiator or heatsink duty; RGB builds; High-performance builds.
Compare and read more
- Xigmatek Galaxy III BX120 Arctic ARGB (120mm/50.4 CFM/1.4 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/23.7 dBA/Hydraulic Bearing/ARGB/PWM) vs Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/1200 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB)
- be quiet! Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM (140mm/62.8 CFM/1.3 mmH2O Static Pressure/1400 RPM Max/23.4 dBA/Rifle Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/1200 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB)
- Arctic F14 PWM (140mm/72.8 CFM/0.7 mmH2O Static Pressure/1350 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/1200 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB)
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism (120mm/54.0 CFM/1.9 mmH2O Static Pressure/1800 RPM Max/27.0 dBA/Rifle Bearing/RGB/PWM) vs Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/1200 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB)
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 (120mm/62 CFM/2.5 mmH2O Static Pressure/1800 RPM Max/27 dBA/Rifle Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Zalman ZM-F3 (120mm/1200 RPM Max/23 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB)
- Why Your Case Fan's Noise Rating Doesn't Match What You Hear
