Zalman ZM-F3 FDB
Zalma, a firm from Korea, turns up in this
review with 2 model. The first is ZM-F3 FDB packed in a translucent plastic
box. The paper inside givers information relating to the product on the back.
The
packaging
Aside from the fan, the box includes 4
silicone pins and 1 cable with resistor functioning lowering voltage.
The
accessories
Zalman’s products are mainly made in China
and so is ZM-F3 FDB. It has a 2-year warranty and RRP of $10.
In contrast to the budget ZM-F3, the fresh
ZM-F3 FDB owns a translucent impeller with 7 wide and thick blades.
Its motor is protected inside three 4mm
spokes and one 9mm cable spoke. The impeller’s diameter is 112mm while the
motor’s is 41mm. the fan weighs 129g.
The frame having two bevels on the interior
surface looks completely common.
The
product viewed from a tilt angle
Therefore, this fan is no special. It
features a fluid dynamic bearing having a life of 150,000h. The lubricant runs
along internally, maintaining a longer service life than popular sleeve
bearings.
Cooling
mechanism
Also does Zalman promise a low level of
noise: 18 to 23dBA at 1,000 to 1,500RPM, airflow and static pressure are not
indicated in specs.
The fan’s sticker delivers information of
the power parameters.
The
fan’s motor
The top power consumption is 2.4W. The
startup voltage is not claimed in the specs yet we will measure it later. Its
cable’s length is 400m.
Zalman ZM-F3 FDB technical specs
·
Dimensions, mm: 120x120x25
·
Blade count: 9
·
Blade diameter, mm: 108
·
Stator diameter, mm: 41
·
Weight (spec. /meas.), g: 129
·
Voltage. V’ DC – rated: 12
·
Voltage. V’ DC – start: N/A
·
Rated current, A: 0.20
·
Input power, Watt: 2.40
·
Bearing system: Fluid dynamic
·
MTBF, hours: 150,000
·
Fan speed – AVG: 1,000-1,500
·
Fan speed – delta, +/-: 10%
·
Airflow – CFM: 55
·
Airflow – m3/hour: 93.4
·
Static pressure, mmH20: 2.29
·
Noise level, dBA: 33
·
Cable length, mm: 450
·
Connector: 3 pin
·
PWM: (-)
·
Fan speed control: (-)
·
LED: (-)
·
Made in: China
·
Warranty, years: 1
·
Price: $10.0
Zalman ZM-SF3
Its packaging is the same as that of the
previous model, but the information on the accompanied paper is different.
The
packaging
Its accessories are identical but its price
is slightly higher, $14.
The fan is white-colored except for the four
silicone corners and the stickers:
The impeller’s diameter is 109mm. The motor’s
is 40mm. the fan weighs 118g. The frame’s interior surface is flat, with ribs
arising along the blades.
The
product viewed from a tilt angle
This feature of the fan is called Shark’s
Fin Blades.
Shark’s
Fin Blades
These fins are to re-structure the airflow,
lower its turbulence and reduce the noise. We’ve seen this solution in some
fans of Noctua and other brands.
The Zalman ZM-SF3 also uses the EverLasting
Quiet bearing having longevity ensured at 150,000h thanks to materials made by Nano
technology and friction reduced.
EverLasting
Quiet
The fan rotates at a speed of 1,500RPM but
you can lower it down to 900RPM by using the included resistor, lowering its
noise level from 23 to 18dBA.
The sticker’s information interestingly suggests
that the Zalman ZM-SF3 will twice as power-consuming as the ZM-F3 FDB: 4.8 and
2.4W, respectively.
The
fan’s motor
The 3-wire cable’s length is 385mm.
Zalman ZM-SF3 technical specs
·
Dimensions, mm: 120x120x26.4
·
Blade count: 9
·
Blade diameter, mm: 109
·
Stator diameter, mm: 40
·
Weight (spec. /meas.), g: 118
·
Voltage. V’ DC – rated: 12
·
Voltage. V’ DC – start: N/A
·
Rated current, A: 0.40
·
Input power, Watt: 4.80
·
Bearing system: Ever Lasting Quiet
·
MTBF, hours: 150,000
·
Fan speed – AVG: 900-1,500
·
Fan speed – delta, +/-: 10%
·
Airflow – CFM: N/A
·
Airflow – m3/hour: N/A
·
Static pressure, mmH20: N/A
·
Noise level, dBA: 18.0-23.0
·
Cable length, mm: 385
·
Connector: 3 pin
·
PWM: (-)
·
Fan speed control: (+)
·
LED: (-)
·
Made in: China
·
Warranty, years: 2
·
Price: $14