Zalman Intros ZM-Fx-FDB Series Case Fans

[btarunr]

Zalman has started shipping its newest low-noise case fans, the ZM-Fx-FDB series (where "x" is 1,2,3, representing 80 mm, 92 mm, 120 mm, respectively). The fan uses three means to lower noise output: a PWM-based speed control, silicone pins that attach it to the case instead of metal screws, and fluid-dynamic bearing (FDB) that has a long life and makes low noise. The FDB ensures the fan has a service life of 150,000 hours. The impeller is made of translucent (frost) plastic, though it isn't LED-lit. A low-noise speed mode can be selected by placing the provided resistor.

The ZM-F1-FDB spins at 1,400~2,000 rpm with 18~23 dBA noise output, ZM-F2-FDB at 1,300~2,000 rpm with the same 18~23 dBA noise, and ZM-F3-FDB at 1,000~1,500 with 18~23 dBA noise as well. With the ZM-RC56 resistor in place, the fans spin at a lower speed, with a constant noise output of 18 dBA. While the ZM-F2-FDB is due for market release on the 25th of September, the ZM-F1-FDB is priced at 7.9 EUR, and ZM-F3-FDB at 9.5 EUR.

[douglatins]

DAMN IT STOP MAKING UNDER 2K FANS!!!
Seriosly, all fans must have a maximum RPM or 2K and come with limiters etc.

[_JP_]

Can't complain about them, except for the price.
My 120mm fans also run at 1300rpm tops, but they still do their job. The 80mm can go up to 2200rpm. If you want faster, you could always get Delta fans.

[avatar_raq]

I don't think that these fans are PWM controlled..They have only 3 wires..The same misleading marketing Zalman used with their older F1,2,3 fans, which I learned -the hard way- they can only be regulated by voltage adjustment.

[[H]@RD5TUFF]

These look pretty nice, but I want to see CFM ratings, before I get too excited.

[Aether]

Originally Posted by avatar_raq

I don't think that these fans are PWM controlled..They have only 3 wires..The same misleading marketing Zalman used with their older F1,2,3 fans, which I learned -the hard way- they can only be regulated by voltage adjustment.

Actually, this is not misleading. Your understanding of what PWM is incorrect. PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation, is a digital means to create an analog equivalent. For instance, you can create different levels of illumination on a LED (which is a digital component, meaning it is either ON or OFF and it's determined state depends on a threshold that is usually set to 0.6V or 0.7V) by pulsing 1s and 0s at a certain frequency. This has a capacitive effect of representing an in-between state of ON and OFF. So by saying that they use PWM, they mean that their motor is, to some degree, a digital motor and that the speed can be adjusted by using PWM on the motor's voltage supply line.

..And knowing is half the battle. GI JOE!!!

-Aether

[pantherx12]

I'd really like to see something "different" in the fan world.

[avatar_raq]

Originally Posted by Aether

Actually, this is not misleading. Your understanding of what PWM is incorrect. PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation, is a digital means to create an analog equivalent. For instance, you can create different levels of illumination on a LED (which is a digital component, meaning it is either ON or OFF and it's determined state depends on a threshold that is usually set to 0.6V or 0.7V) by pulsing 1s and 0s at a certain frequency. This has a capacitive effect of representing an in-between state of ON and OFF. So by saying that they use PWM, they mean that their motor is a DIGITAL motor and that the speed can be adjusted by using PWM on the motor's voltage supply line.

..And knowing is half the battle. GI JOE!!!

-Aether

Thanks for the info, but what I really meant is that when you connect it to a 4 pin mobo header, the fan will run at full speed, so I reverted to a 3 pin voltage-regulated port. And that is confusing.

[Aether]

Originally Posted by avatar_raq

Thanks for the info, but what I really meant is that when you connect it to a 4 pin mobo header, the fan will run at full speed, so I reverted to a 3 pin voltage-regulated port. And that is confusing.

I see what you mean now. And I will certainly not disagree with this stuff being confusing! I get confused with this stuff and I'm an EE major...

Oh and just so that I am not misleading you I changed my explanation to not say 'Digital' motor since, I don't believe, that is correct. I am no motor expert by any means, but motors are mostly understood as being analog but have a functional operation range (voltage range) that can be used to drive the motor. If you go below this operating range the motor simply will not spin, which can be 'somewhat' viewed as digital in nature. So the question that might come up is, why use a digital technique on an analog component? I think the answer here is that it is more energy efficient, since you are only supplying power part of the time rather than 100% of the time...I could be wrong on this though.

[_JP_]

Originally Posted by pantherx12

I'd really like to see something "different" in the fan world.

I guess the idea for now is: "If it works, has low cost and generates profit, why bother changing it?".
Enermax has had some nice ideas, as well as Thermaltake...

[WarEagleAU]

I would like a blend of 80+ CFM with decent noise levels.

[jimmyxxx]

Originally Posted by WarEagleAU

I would like a blend of 80+ CFM with decent noise levels.

Thats like mixing marshmallows and tabasco sauce, they don't like each other