Terramaster D8 Hybrid - Should You Buy? (Short Review)

Summary

The Terramaster D8 Hybrid is a versatile storage system featuring four hard drive bays and four M.2 NVMe slots, aimed at users needing consistent performance rather than peak speeds. Priced at £199 on Kickstarter, it appeals to those who require flexible storage options and NAS expansion capabilities. However, it's not ideal for users seeking top performance, heavy media post-production, or internal RAID management, as its USB connection limits throughput and relies on external systems for RAID functionalities. Overall, it offers a tailored solution for specific user needs at an attractive price point.

Takeaways

• 😀 The TerraMaster D8 Hybrid is a versatile storage system supporting four HDDs or SSDs and four M.2 NVMe drives, priced at approximately £199.
• 😀 It targets specific user demographics, emphasizing who would benefit from its features and who might find it unsuitable.
• 😀 Users seeking sustained performance rather than peak speeds will appreciate the D8 Hybrid's consistent throughput, ideal for certain workflows.
• 😀 The device offers JBOD configurations, making it suitable for users who prefer managing multiple storage pools instead of relying on RAID.
• 😀 NAS users looking to expand their storage solutions can connect the D8 Hybrid for tailored, flexible storage setups.
• 😟 Peak performance seekers, particularly those working with high-density media (like 4K/8K), may find the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection limiting.
• 😟 The lack of extensive RAID functionality beyond the first two bays means users needing data redundancy might not find this device adequate.
• 😟 Users expecting built-in RAID management will have to rely on their operating systems, potentially introducing performance overhead.
• 😀 The design focuses on energy efficiency, low noise, and a compact footprint, making it suitable for various environments.
• 😀 While the price is appealing, it comes with trade-offs in terms of performance for intensive tasks and limited RAID capabilities.

Q & A

What is the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid?

The TerraMaster D8 Hybrid is a storage device featuring four hard drive or SSD bays and four M.2 NVMe slots, designed to provide flexible storage solutions.

What is the price of the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid?

The device is currently available for £199 on Kickstarter.

Who is the target demographic for the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid?

The device targets users needing sustained performance, those managing flexible storage configurations, and NAS system expanders.

What performance characteristics does the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid offer?

It provides consistent and reliable performance, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize steady data access over peak speeds.

Does the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid support RAID configurations?

Yes, it supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations on the first two SATA bays, allowing for some redundancy and storage pooling.

Can the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid be used to expand an existing NAS system?

Yes, it can be connected to existing NAS systems, enhancing storage capacity and flexibility through its JBOD architecture.

What are the limitations of the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid in terms of performance?

The device's performance is limited by its USB Type-C connection, which caps transfer speeds at 1,000 MB/s, making it less suitable for high-density media editing.

What type of users might find the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid unsuitable?

Users seeking peak performance, those working with high-density media, and individuals requiring robust internal RAID management may find it lacking.

What advantages does the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid offer for storage management?

It allows users to create individual storage pools and manage different RAID configurations through a single USB connection, providing flexibility.

Why might some users be concerned about the lack of hardware RAID in the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid?

The lack of hardware RAID means that users need to rely on their operating systems for RAID management, which could impact performance and require additional resources.