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Zalman ZM-F3 120mm case fan
Zalman

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

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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 mean

Identity and packaging

BrandZalman
ModelZM-F3
Fan Thickness25 mm

Design

Fan Size120 mm
Bearing TypeFluid Dynamic
LightingNo RGB

Performance

Max Speed1200 RPM
Noise Level23 dBA

Motor and bearing

Rated Life150000 hours

Physical and finish

Weight100 g

Market

PositioningBudget

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.

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