Tuesday, August 10th 2010
Zalman Intros ZM-SF3 Case Fans with ''Shark's Fin Blade'' Design
Zalman today announced the ZM-SF3 fans in Europe, which feature what it calls "Shark's fin Blade" design. The ridges and protrusions on each fan-blade reduce turbulence, resulting in a better airflow to rotational speed ratio, and more importantly, reduced noise. This fan blade design is backed by a motor that makes use of what Zalman calls "Everlasting Quiet" (ELQ) bearing that makes use of a nano-composite material that results in a lifespan of over 150,000 hours with minimum noise.
The fan's frame uses blocks of silicone at its corners that dampen vibration, and silicone pins are provided instead of metal screws that bring down vibration transfer to the chassis even further. This results in a rated noise level of under 25 dBA. The fan measures 120 x 120 x 26.4 mm, weighing 118 g. It spins at speeds between 900 and 1,500 rpm. It takes its power from a 3-pin power connector. Zalman, however, did not announce pricing.
The fan's frame uses blocks of silicone at its corners that dampen vibration, and silicone pins are provided instead of metal screws that bring down vibration transfer to the chassis even further. This results in a rated noise level of under 25 dBA. The fan measures 120 x 120 x 26.4 mm, weighing 118 g. It spins at speeds between 900 and 1,500 rpm. It takes its power from a 3-pin power connector. Zalman, however, did not announce pricing.
26 Comments on Zalman Intros ZM-SF3 Case Fans with ''Shark's Fin Blade'' Design
What they should really do is double staged fanblades instead, so you could have more fan blades moving more air with less stalling.
Although I don't really understand how disrupting laminar flow helps a fan perform better. {shrug}
the fans may be quite good, but that is a valid concern.
Even the noise reduction is by such a slim margin that it doesn't warrant interest for silence's sake either.
Put simply: Gimmick.:p
I bet there will be lots of systems based on these fans and all kinda coloured LEDs in the near future... "Man I got Shark fin Blade fans! Pfff... they sound so bad they surely pwn everything ever sold in the fan category"...
whats next? Gurney tabs?Much less drag actually
U see those fins on an evo IX and X? they're not decorative, they actually speed up airflow, forcing it faster under the rear wing than it usually would be, so that there would be more downforce generated. Its the same concept... (and they should be on every car)
EDIT: Only issue I see is the very direct nature of airflow, increased pressure. Good thing is lowered turbulence with cleaner airflow.
db.sanyodenki.co.jp/product_db_e/coolingfan/dcfan/longlife_read.html
Though here's the thing, a bunch of these 38mm fans will work wonders on your radiator, but then it completely negates one of watercooling's positives, which is supposed to be silence. If you slap 5 of these on your radiator, your computer's going to be loud as hell, and at that point you might as well just strap them to your video card and it'll probably cool them just as well.
I also found out that certain pitches are particularly annoying for me. The room it was in has 2 high velocity fans plus a box fan. They don't bother me at all. But I could pick out the UK fan with no problem.
www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=4573
www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=24517
www.frozencpu.com/products/5642/fan-285/Panaflo_H1A_120mm_Hi-Speed_Fan_BX_w_RPM_Sensor_FBA12G12H1BX.html?tl=g36c15s562
Speed : 900 ~ 1,500rpm ±10%
Noise Level : 18 ~ 23dBA ±10%
Air Flow : 35.6 ~ 60.4CFM (Avg.)
Static Air Pressure: 0.66~ 1.53mmAq (Avg.)