1. Product Overview
The JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series fan is a 120mm computer case fan designed for efficient cooling and vibrant addressable RGB lighting. It features a unique wire-free splicing design for easy installation and a clean aesthetic. Available in both regular and reverse blade versions to optimize airflow for various PC configurations.
Figure 1: JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series Fan showcasing wire-free splicing.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series Fan(s) (quantity as purchased)
- Mounting Screws
- Extension Cable for segmented connections (if applicable)
- Rubber Plugs for unused splicing ports
3. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install your JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series fan:
- Prepare your PC Case: Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged. Open your PC case to access the fan mounting locations.
- Determine Fan Orientation: The ZK-120 series includes both regular and reverse blade versions. Identify the desired airflow direction (intake or exhaust) for each fan. The 'Air inlet side' and 'Exhaust air side' are typically indicated on the fan frame or by the direction of the fan blades.
- Splicing Fans (if installing multiple): The ZK-120 fans feature a wire-free splicing design for modular installation. Align the male and female connectors on the sides of the fans and gently push them together until they click into place. This creates a secure physical and electrical connection. For unused splicing ports, use the provided rubber plugs to maintain a clean look and protect the connectors.
- Mounting the Fans: Secure the spliced fan unit or individual fans to your PC case or radiator using the provided mounting screws. Ensure a snug fit to prevent vibration.
- Connecting Power and ARGB:
- PWM Power (4-PIN): Connect the 4-PIN PWM cable from the fan unit to an available 4-PIN fan header on your motherboard or fan controller. This allows for speed control.
- ARGB Lighting (5V 3-PIN): Connect the 5V 3-PIN ARGB cable from the fan unit to an available 5V 3-PIN ARGB header on your motherboard or ARGB controller. This enables customizable lighting effects. Do NOT connect to a 12V 4-PIN RGB header, as this will damage the LEDs.
- Cable Management: Route all cables neatly to ensure optimal airflow and a clean build.
Video 1: Demonstration of JONSBO ZK-120 fan splicing and ARGB lighting effects.
Figure 2: Close-up of the line-free splicing interface, showing plugs and recessed design for stability.
Figure 3: Illustration of direct fan connections and using an extension cord for segmented setups.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed and connected, your JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB fans are ready for operation.
- Fan Speed Control (PWM): The 4-PIN PWM connection allows your motherboard or fan controller to dynamically adjust fan speed based on system temperature, optimizing cooling performance and noise levels. You can typically configure fan curves through your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or dedicated software.
- ARGB Lighting Control: The 5V 3-PIN ARGB connection enables synchronization with compatible motherboard software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) or a dedicated ARGB controller. This allows you to customize lighting effects, colors, and patterns across your system.
- Airflow Direction: The ZK-120 series offers both regular and reverse blade fans. Ensure the fans are oriented correctly for your desired airflow path (e.g., intake for fresh air, exhaust for hot air). The 7 reverse cooling blades are specifically designed to maintain efficient airflow even in reverse orientation.
Figure 4: ARGB lighting synchronized with a motherboard, showing custom lighting effects.
Figure 5: Airflow diagram for the 7 reverse cooling blades, indicating air inlet and exhaust sides.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your fans.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean dust accumulation from the fan blades and frame using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the fan is powered off before cleaning.
- Bearing: The ZK-120 fans utilize FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearings), which are designed for quiet, stable, and long-lived operation, requiring no user maintenance or lubrication.
- Shock Absorption: The fans are equipped with 8 pieces of shock-absorbing pads to reduce resonance and noise. Ensure these pads are intact and properly seated during installation.
Figure 6: FDB Dynamic Hydraulic Bearing for quiet, stable, and long-lived performance.
Figure 7: Fan with shock-absorbing pads to reduce noise and resonance.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB fan, try the following:
- Fan Not Spinning:
- Check if the 4-PIN PWM cable is securely connected to the motherboard or controller.
- Ensure the fan header on the motherboard is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
- Test the fan on a different fan header or with a known working fan to rule out a faulty header.
- ARGB Lighting Not Working/Incorrect:
- Verify the 5V 3-PIN ARGB cable is correctly connected to a 5V 3-PIN ARGB header (not 12V 4-PIN RGB).
- Check your motherboard's ARGB software or external controller settings to ensure lighting is enabled and configured correctly.
- Ensure all spliced fans are properly connected for ARGB signal pass-through.
- Excessive Noise/Vibration:
- Ensure all mounting screws are tightened securely.
- Check that the shock-absorbing pads are correctly installed.
- Clean any dust or debris from the fan blades that might be causing imbalance.
- Verify that no cables are obstructing the fan blades.
7. Specifications
Detailed specifications for the JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series fans:
| Feature | Specification (Regular Version) | Specification (Reverse Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | ZK-120 | |
| Fan Size | 123mm (L) × 120mm (W) × 28mm (H) | |
| Fan Speed | 800-2200 RPM (±10%) | 800-1800 RPM (±10%) |
| Air Volume | 20.95-65.26 CFM | 18.75-47.71 CFM |
| Wind Pressure | 0.45-3.20 mmH2O | 0.33-1.66 mmH2O |
| Noise Level | 20.3-36.6 dB(A) | 16.4-30.7 dB(A) |
| Rated Voltage (Fan) | 12V | |
| Rated Voltage (LED) | 5V | |
| Rated Current (Fan) | 0.10A | |
| Rated Current (LED) | 0.83A | |
| Power (Fan) | 1.2W | |
| Power (LED) | 4.15W | |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) | |
| MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) | ≥50000h (at Room Temp: 25°C) | |
| Connector | 4-PIN PWM, 5V 3-PIN ARGB | |
| Blade Quantity | 7 | |
Figure 8: JONSBO ZK-120 fan dimensions.
Figure 9: Specifications for ZK-120W (Regular Version).
Figure 10: Specifications for ZK-120WR (Reverse Version).
8. Warranty and Support
The JONSBO ZK-120 ARGB Series fan comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please contact your retailer or JONSBO customer service through their official website.
9. User Tips
- Plan Your Airflow: Before installation, carefully plan the airflow direction within your PC case. Use regular fans for intake where air is pulled in, and reverse fans for intake where the visible side of the fan faces outwards but still pulls air in, or for exhaust where air is pushed out.
- Daisy-Chain for Simplicity: Utilize the wire-free splicing feature to daisy-chain multiple fans together. This significantly reduces cable clutter and simplifies the connection to your motherboard or controller.
- Software Control: Take advantage of your motherboard's ARGB software to create dynamic and personalized lighting effects that match your system's theme.
- Check Compatibility: Always ensure your motherboard has compatible 5V 3-PIN ARGB headers before purchasing, or acquire a separate ARGB controller.
