Terramaster F4-424 Pro NAS - Should You Buy?

Summary

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS device impresses with its improved design, powerful Intel N300 CPU, and excellent Plex Media Server performance, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users. Key features include upgradable storage with M.2 NVMe slots and comprehensive software capabilities. However, potential buyers should consider its lack of 10GbE support, higher pricing compared to competitors, limited client applications, and concerns about past security issues following a ransomware attack. Overall, it presents a compelling option for those needing reliable data storage and media streaming capabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro features a significantly improved design over its predecessor, including better trays and ventilation.
• 💪 Powered by the Intel N300 CPU, the F4-424 Pro offers robust performance with 8 cores and 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
• 🛠️ The device includes dual M.2 NVMe slots, allowing for flexible SSD configurations and caching options without compatibility issues.
• 🎥 It performs exceptionally well as a Plex Media Server, handling 4K and early 8K transcoding effectively.
• 🖥️ The TerraMaster operating system, while not as comprehensive as competitors, provides essential features and a user-friendly interface.
• 🚫 The lack of a 10 GbE port is a significant drawback for a device marketed as 'Pro', limiting high-speed networking capabilities.
• 💰 The initial pricing of the F4-424 Pro is higher than many competing 4-bay NAS devices, which may deter potential buyers.
• 📱 Limited dedicated client applications may result in a less tailored user experience compared to brands with specialized software.
• ⚠️ Concerns exist regarding the stability of using 32GB RAM, as it exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended maximum.
• 🔒 Past ransomware attacks on TerraMaster raise important security considerations for potential users, despite recent improvements in their protocols.

Q & A

What are the key design improvements in the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro compared to its predecessor?

The F4-424 Pro features a streamlined chassis, better ventilation, improved drive trays, and easier access to internal components, making it more user-friendly.

What processor does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro use, and what are its capabilities?

It uses the Intel N300 processor, which has 8 cores and 8 threads, offering a base speed of 1.8 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz. This makes it suitable for tasks like media transcoding.

How much RAM does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro come with, and what is its maximum supported capacity?

The device comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM. However, Intel specifies a maximum of 16GB for stability, raising questions about the long-term reliability of using more than the manufacturer’s recommendation.

What are the storage options available in the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro?

The NAS includes two M.2 NVMe slots for SSDs and supports a wide range of traditional hard drives, with compatibility for drives up to 22TB.

How does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro perform as a Plex Media Server?

The F4-424 Pro excels in Plex Media Server performance, effectively handling 4K media transcoding and even early 8K playback, making it a strong choice for media enthusiasts.

What is a significant limitation of the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro regarding networking?

A major limitation is the lack of a 10GbE Ethernet port, which could hinder its performance in high-speed network environments, especially given its 'Pro' designation.

What concerns are raised about the pricing of the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro?

The pricing, which ranges around $599 to $699, is considered high compared to other 4-bay NAS devices that offer similar or slightly lower specifications.

How does TerraMaster's software stack up against competitors like Synology and QNAP?

While TerraMaster's operating system has improved and includes essential features, it lacks the breadth of applications and tailored user experiences offered by competitors like Synology and QNAP.

What security measures has TerraMaster implemented following past ransomware attacks?

TerraMaster has enhanced its system security post-ransomware incidents by improving kernel security and offering an isolation mode to disable remote access and third-party applications.

What are some of the user experiences highlighted regarding TerraMaster's client applications?

Users may find the all-in-one mobile and desktop applications somewhat diluted, as they do not provide the tailored experiences that more specialized applications from competitors offer.