[Deal du jour] Besoin de plus d'espace de stockage ? Les disques durs sont souvent préférés aux serveurs NAS, alors que ces derniers sont une bonne alternative, surtout en promotion.
Aujourd’hui, je vous propose un concours pour vous faire gagner un superbe NAS TerraMaster F4-424, la solution de stockage idéale pour les passionnés de tech, les utilisateurs exigeants et les professionnels…
Le TerraMaster F4-424 est un NAS 4 baies en façade et avec 2 emplacements pour des SSD NVMe à l’intérieur. Il est animé par un processeur Quad-Core Intel N95 capable d’atteindre jusqu’à 3,4 GHz… accompagné par 8 Go de RAM DDR5 (extensible jusqu’à 32 Go). Ce NAS offre des performances impressionnantes pour tous vos besoins de stockage, de partage… mais aussi pour le multimédia.
Sa connectique est plutôt généreuse, elle comprend 2 ports Ethernet 2,5 Gb/s pour des vitesses de transfert élevées, 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen2 et même 1 sortie audio-vidéo HDMI 2.1.
Test du NAS TerraMaster F4-424
Pour rendre ce concours original et accessible à tous, j’ai décidé de faire simple. Pas de longues conditions ni de démarches fastidieuses !
1. Le concept : Mettez en commentaire de cet article votre cas d’usage le plus original ou pratique pour un NAS comme le TerraMaster F4-424. Comment l’utiliseriez-vous ? Pour quelle solution créative ? Quels problèmes résoudrait-il dans votre quotidien ?
2. Dates du concours :
3. Participation :
4. Sélection du gagnant :
Le gagnant sera désigné par tirage au sort parmi toutes les participations conformes. Un jury présélectionnera les 10 usages les plus originaux ou pertinents avant le tirage final.
5. Le lot : Le NAS TerraMaster F4-424 (sans disques durs) d’une valeur de 529,99€.
6. Annonce et remise du lot :
7. Protection des données personnelles :
Les informations collectées serviront uniquement à l’organisation de ce concours et ne seront pas utilisées à des fins commerciales.
Vous manquez d’inspiration ? Voici quelques pistes de cas d’usage qui pourraient faire de vous un heureux gagnant :
N’attendez plus et participez dès maintenant en partageant votre cas d’usage idéal en commentaire. Bonne chance à tous et que le meilleur usage l’emporte !
[12/04] Le gagnant a été contacté par e-mail
[12/04] Bravo à Michel qui devrait recevoir ce NAS dans la semaine
If you’re new to private server storage, you’ve probably heard the phrase “everything runs on Linux.” While that’s not entirely true (many other platforms exist with their own foundations), Linux remains the dominant base for much of the software we use daily—including Network Attached Storage (NAS). When it comes to NAS, most new or less experienced users fall into two main categories:
But what if you want the best of both worlds? Good news—you can have it! In this guide, I’ll show you how to transform TerraMaster’s highly affordable NAS solutions (arguably the best value on the market right now) into a TrueNAS -powered, ZFS-backed NAS system. Even the 2024/2025 models come well-equipped with multiple NVMe support (the F8 SSD PLUS as a particular stand out device), 2.5GbE networking, embedded graphics CPUs, and more, making them a fantastic base for a Linux NAS.
Best of all, setting this up is much easier than you might think, completely reversible, and provides you with the customization and flexibility of TrueNAS while still benefiting from a prebuilt 24/7 server at an unbeatable price. Sounds great, right? Let’s get started with the step-by-step guide!
Note – You can watch my FULL 30 Min+ beginners Guide to installing TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS Here
Before you begin, it’s important to note that simply owning a TerraMaster NAS isn’t enough. To get TrueNAS up and running, you’ll need to complete a few preliminary checks and have a few extra items—many of which you may already have at home or in the office. If not, a quick $10 purchase online should cover it.
To upgrade your TerraMaster NAS to TrueNAS , make sure you have the following:
That is about it. Most of these (maybe not the USB drive at that physical size) you will almost certainly already have to hand.
Almost certainly, yes! However, there is one key consideration. When switching from TerraMaster’s TOS to TrueNAS , the internal drives (HDDs and/or SSDs) will be formatted to ZFS, meaning they won’t be recognized by TOS if you choose to switch back later.
The good news? Reverting back is incredibly easy—all you need to do is replace the internal USB drive and reboot the system. However, switching between NAS operating systems will wipe the data on the drives, so be sure to back up your important files elsewhere before proceeding.
Now that you’re ready, let’s move on to installing TrueNAS on your TerraMaster NAS!
Head to the TrueNAS website HERE and download the latest stable release of the software to your local PC, Linux or Mac system. Make sure to remember where you downloaded it.
Head to the Rufus website and download the latest version of that tool – I recommend downloading the standalone executable file here, as then it will immediately run when you double click the file, without installation etc. It may redirect you to Github, but it will be the same executable file. Once again, remember where you downloaded it.
Connect the small form factor USB Drive to your system (again, this is the one I used from Sandisk) and after a few seconds, it should appear as an available USB Drive. The drive MAY need formatting (you will be prompted to do so), if that is the case, then you can format it via the system prompts and by default, it will format it to FAT32 (as long as your USB is less than 32GB). If you are not presented with a system prompt to format your USB, then you can head into My PC, or My Computer via a windows computer and right-click the drive, select ‘format’ and format it that way.
If you have used the USB for other things previously, there is a chance that the drive has existing partitions in place. For that, the quickest way to completely remove any partitions is to open up the bottom-left windows system menu as normal, and then just type diskpart and open the command-line GUI tool. From there, use the command list disk to show the available drives that are connected, you will see your USB (normally disk 1 or 2, but can differ depending on your system layout and can be spotted by the storage amount). From there, type select disk # (where # is the drive number that your USB is shown as) and then type clean, which which will then remove any index structure for the drive (i.e the partitions and existing format) and then you can go back to the My Computer/My PC page and format the drive to FAT 32 as normal.
Open the Rufus application and from there you will see the USB Drive (listed as NO NAME, or ‘UNTITLED’, ETC) at the top. From there, look to the select image/find image option (depending on the ver. of Rufus or your USB Image Creator tool of choice) and find the TrueNAS disk image you downloaded earlier). If the drive is not listed, it may have downloaded as a compressed/archive file. If that is the case, head to the location of where you downloaded TrueNAS (in your file explorer, not in Rufus) and right-click the file you downloaded. If the option to ‘extract‘ is visible, then you can extract it (i.e unpack it to the original form) in that same download directory. From there, head back into RUFUS and then the TrueNAS system image should be visible. Select it, then run the Rufus System image creator tool and create your USB bootable TrueNAS disk image.
REMEMBER! This will completely format your USB drive and any files that are on that USB will be destroyed. The system image creator tool will turn the USB into a pure boot image tool – the USB will not be usable for traditional storage again unless you completely format it again.
Really, really important and sometimes overlooked. Once the USB creation is completed, you need to remove the USB (using the eject hardware safely option at the bottom right of your windows machine taskbar as normal). DO NOT accidentally leave the USB in your USB Ports for any longer than necessary. If you leave it in and your system reboots at any point (eg in a normal ‘end of day shut down, go home, reboot tomorrow’ scenario), then the system might boot directly into the TrueNAS installation and although it is easy to exit from, it can change your system default boot preferences, maybe even remove your primary boot drive as the OS drive – requiring a little messing with a windows installation disk to change it back. The odds of this are very small, but not zero, so make sure to safely remove your USB drive when the TrueNAS system image creator tool is completed.
This next step is going to differ depending on the Terramaster NAS Drive you are choosing to use. For this guide, I am using a 2022/2023 generation F4-423 4-Bay NAS, but the general steps are the same for any Terramaster NAS (though the location of the USB will differ) (the F8 SSD PLUS for example has a particularly secluded USB key internally). With the Terramaster NAS disconnected from the network and from any power source. From there you will need to remove the external casing. In the case of most Terramaster NAS, the chassis is held by 4-6 screws on the rear of the casing that, when removed, allow you to remove the rear pannel+fans and slide the internal framework out the front of the casing (be sure to check the fans are not disconnected accidentally in this process). IMPORTANT – Remove any HDD/SSD Media during the dismantling of the Terramaster NAS chassis, as it would be so, SO easy to harm these with accidentally dropping/motion damage. No need to remember the order of the drives when you re-install them, as they are going to be formatted during the TrueNAS installation.
Now, if you take a closer look at the main controller board of the Terramaster NAS (the one with network/USB ports attached, not the one that the HDD/SSD bays are on), you will spot a VERY small USB module in a tiny USB port. It should look something like this:
Now, THIS is where the default Terramaster TOS NAS software installation is kept. This is NOT where the OS actually runs from, but this is where the system checks in it’s BIOS when booting to find installation media (IF the system does not already have an active OS on the drives). Very delicately (as it IS a small USB and likely tucked in next to some other delicate components) remove the USB there is there, put it somewhere safe (as you will need this if you ever want to return the Terramster back to a TOS software system) and then replace it with the USB from earlier that has the TrueNAS system image you created in Rufus. THIS is why you needed a very small USB, as otherwise there is simply no way you would fit a traditional USB flash stick in the space provided.
That is pretty much it. This only other thing to factor in here is IF your Terramaster NAS does NOT have an external HDMI port. Most Terramsater NAS released in 2020-2025 have an HDMI port on the rear that although largely useless in TOS, is still accessible (something you will need for TrueNAS initialization. However, some Terramaster NAS with Intel Processors have the HDMI Port located INSIDE the main chassis (especially the older great box 2019-2020 gen devices). So, IF your NAS has an inside HDMI port, you are going to need to connect an HDMI monitor to it and run the initial installation (covering in a bit) with the chassis in this open state. After installation is complete, you can close the Terramaster NAS chassis up. Otherwise, if your NAS already has an external HDMI port, you can go ahead and reconstruct the NAS chassis. Essentially, if you NAS has integrated graphics (Intel Celeron, Pentium, N100, N305, Core, etc), you will have an HDMI output.
NOTE – If you plan on upgrading the memory of your NAS to 8GB-16GB (in order to use ALL of the features of TrueNAS to their fullest extent), I would recommend doing so at this point before rebuilding the physical chassis again, as many Terramaser NAS have the 2nd SODIMM memory slot in really tight locations.
Next, you need to start getting the system ready for Initialization and Setup. I would strongly recommend running the first-time installation via a direct interface with the Terramaster NAS. You will need to connect an HDMI Monitor/TV/Capture Card to the HDMI port of the NAS, a Keyboard (and/or mouse) to an available USB port) and then connect the power/network connections to the NAS and boot the device up.
After a few minutes, the TrueNAS GUI/Command will appear on your monitor and all you need to do is navigate the config choices to set up your TrueNAS NAS the first time.
Important – TrueNAS Scale/Core runs at its best when it is run on a separate drive from your storage. Much like an Operating System, you can install TrueNAS on an available SSD in a SATA or NVMe SSD slot in the Terramaster NAS, then (after initialization) you can go into the TrueNAS > Storage area and create a pool of storage using the available storage media bays,
It is NOT recommended that you install it on a USB drive, for reasons of speed and power-connections.
After you have completed the setup and are back at the initial TrueNAS boot menu, select the ‘SHUTDOWN‘ option (not reboot/restart, for reasons I will explain in a moment).
Once your Terramaster NAS has fully powered down, you need to disconnect the storage, power and any other cables, then open up the Terramaster NAS again (if it was re-constructed from earlier) and then remove the USB drive you installed earlier with TrueNAS boot loader on it. You need to do this as otherwise, when you reboot the Terramaster NAS, it will reboot into the bootloader again. You can skip past this and/or it will not action a reinitialization without your input, but better to remove the USB and therefore allow the system to always immediately boot into the TrueNAS system. After you have reconstructed the terramaster NAS, you can go ahead and connect all the cables and power on the device.
Note – Do NOT replace the USB with the original Terramaster USB Drive that it arrived with, or the system will auto boot into the Terramaster TOS Installation setup.
Upon rebooting the Terramaster into TrueNAS (can take up to 5 mins, but usually much quicker). You have two options with how to access the configuration and controls. You can use the HDMI+Keyboard if you choose for console/command level access, but it will be ALOT higher a learning curve than the network GUI.
Alternatively (much more recommended), use a program such as Advanced IP Scanner, which is free and VERY useful anyway, or even network command prompt) to scan your local area network and find where the Terramaster with TrueNAS is located (i.e it’s IP). This IP (eg 192.168.1.111) is what you put into the URL bar ofay web browser and it will load into the login GUI for TrueNAS . From here you will need to use the username ‘root’ in combination with the password that you created during initialization.
And that is about it. You now have TrueNAS installed as the default OS of your Terramaster NAS. From here you can do anything and everything that his highly regarded ZFS powered server software offers. Head into the Storage area and start creating pools, as well as areas for caching and lots more features.
TrueNAS Core was recently updated to ver.13 in a stable release of the FreeBSD format, as well as new improvements in the Linux-based version ‘TrueNAS ‘. The first thing you are going to need to do when setting up your TrueNAS > Terramaster NAS server is set up your storage. Do this by heading into the storage tab and following the handy steps on screen. After that, you can pretty much do anything on your new ZFS NAS!
You can find out more about TrueNAS in my full review below that covers everything I like and dislike about the platform:
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide has helped you make the most of your storage setup. If you’d like to support my work and help me create more guides, reviews, and tutorials on NAS and related topics, there are several ways to do so—I’d truly appreciate any support!
Thank you again for your support, and have an amazing week!
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Aujourd’hui, nous vous proposons de découvrir le test complet du TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus. Ce NAS est atypique à bien des égards. Ce qui saute aux yeux, c’est avant tout son design élégant qui tranche avec ce que l’on a l’habitude de voir. Il est full-flash, ce qui signifie qu’il n’accepte que des SSD via ses 8 emplacements. Oui, vous avez bien lu… et il s’agit de SSD NVMe. Sous le capot, il embarque un processeur Intel Core i3 accompagné de 16 Go de RAM. Côté connectique, le F8 SSD Plus dispose de ports USB 3.2 (Typa-A et Type-C), d’une sortie HDMI et d’un port réseau Multi-Gig. Son prix public est de 840€. Découvrons ce nouveau NAS prometteur…
Le F8 SSD Plus s’adresse aussi bien aux créateurs de contenu, qu’aux professionnels et aux utilisateurs les plus exigeants. Sur le papier, il a tout pour plaire.
Commençons par découvrir le contenu de la boîte :
Comme à son habitude, TerraMaster fournit tout le nécessaire… voire plus. On ne peut qu’apprécier.
Dès le déballage, le F8 SSD Plus impressionne par ses dimensions compactes et sa légèreté. Il est conçu en plastique dur noir et mesure 177 x 160 x 140 mm. Il trouvera facilement sa place, y compris sur un bureau. Son design est sobre et moderne. Sur la balance, il affiche 0,6 kg. Si l’alimentation se situe classiquement à l’arrière, le bouton marche/arrêt se trouve sur le dessus. Ce dernier dispose d’une diode et c’est la seule sur le dessus. Aucune diode n’est présente en façade.
Deux ventilateurs présents au-dessous ont pour objectif de rafraichir les composants à l’intérieur. TerraMaster assure que son boitier ne dépasse pas les 19 dbA à 1 mètre, ce qui le rend quasiment inaudible.
L’installation du NAS a été facilitée. Pour accéder à l’intérieur, il suffit de retirer une petite vis à l’arrière (sans tournevis) puis de pousser par le dessous (au niveau des ventilateurs). Là, vous avez accès aux 8 emplacements M.2 NVMe. Pour nos tests, nous avons pris 3 SSD WD RED SN700 1 To adapté aux NAS. L’installation se fait à l’aide du tournevis fourni.
Il est important de noter que TerraMaster fournit 8 radiateurs, ainsi que la pâte thermique à mettre entre le radiateur et le SSD. C’est plutôt une bonne idée, car il est connu que les SSD NVMe ont tendance à chauffer rapidement lorsqu’ils sont sollicités… et les performances peuvent rapidement en pâtir.
Rappel : Le throttling d’un SSD NVMe se produit lorsque la température dépasse un seuil critique, entrainant une réduction automatique des performances pour éviter la surchauffe. Cela peut avoir un impact significatif lors de transferts de données intensifs. Une bonne dissipation thermique est donc essentielle.
Le NAS dispose des interfaces suivantes :
Un ensemble bien équilibré pour un boîtier de cette taille.
Le TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus est construit autour d’un processeur Intel Core i3-N305 cadencé à 1,80 GHz (mode Burst jusqu’à 3,80 GHz). Ce processeur dispose de 8 cœurs et selon le site PassMark, il obtient un score 9901 points, bien au-dessus des 5000 points habituels pour un NAS. Il est donc taillé pour des tâches complexes comme le chiffrement des données et la virtualisation…
Il intègre également un iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 770, suffisant pour du transcodage vidéo. Enfin, le NAS est livré avec 16 Go de RAM DDR5 (extensible jusqu’à 32 Go), mais sur un seul emplacement. Il vous en coutera environ 85€ pour passer à 32 Go.
Les yeux des plus experts auront remarqué la présence d’une petite clé USB. Cette dernière intègre le nécessaire pour démarrer le système.
Le NAS fonctionne sous TOS 6.0, un système d’exploitation optimisé pour le stockage réseau. Il comprend une interface d’administration et plusieurs applications préinstallées.
L’installation est simple : il suffit de saisir http://tnas.local/ dans un navigateur et de suivre les instructions à l’écran.
Après un redémarrage, on crée un compte administrateur.
En moins de 10 minutes, le système est opérationnel.
Après avoir passé le guide de démarrage, le système lance automatiquement son Conseiller de sécurité. Ce dernier permet de rechercher d’éventuel problème de configuration ou de sécurité. C’est une excellente idée, mais le novice aura peut-être des difficultés à comprendre certains termes. Si on clique dessus, on accède automatiquement à plus de détail, ainsi qu’un lien pour corriger cette alerte…
Par défault, TOS 6.0 configure les SSD dans un groupe de stockage TRAID (Raid évolué de TerraMaster) et le système de fichier est Btrfs pour le volume.
TOS dispose d’un centre d’application permettant d’ajouter d’autres fonctionnalités au NAS. Ce dernier recense 52 applications (au moment où nous écrivons ces lignes). Il y a des applications proposées par TerraMaster pour de la sauvegarde, gestion des photos, vidéosurveillance… mais aussi d’autres éditeurs bien connus : Docker, Portainer, Jellyfin, Plex, WordPress, VirtualBox, Transmission, etc. Si cela ne suffit pas, TerraMaster permet d’installer des applications communautaires (environ 60 pour TOS 6).
Vous l’aurez compris, les possibilités offertes par TOS 6 sont nombreuses, sans parler des possibilités illimitées offertes par Docker.
À noter qu’il existe une application macOS et Windows pour aider à l’installation du NAS. Elle est plutôt pratique, car elle permet d’accéder facilement au NAS, de faire de la synchronisation, de la sauvegarde, etc. Une application Android et iOS existe également, appelée TNAS mobile : « vous pouvez accéder à distance à votre dispositif TNAS, parcourir ou lire des fichiers multimédias sur votre dispositif…et également surveiller votre TNAS à l’aide de votre smartphone ».
TOS 6.0 offre un environnement complet pour sécuriser ses données et en profiter pleinement à travers de nombreuses applications. Certes, certaines traductions sont perfectibles… mais c’est déjà d’un très bon niveau.
Dans la première partie de nos tests, nous allons évaluer les performances des transferts à travers un réseau 10 Gb/s (entre le NAS et des ordinateurs). Ensuite, nous regarderons les capacités du processeur, en analysant ses performances dans la virtualisation et le transcodage vidéo.
Depuis plusieurs années, nous avons mis en place un protocole de tests rigoureux fournissant des données fiables et comparables avec les performances des autres NAS. Pour cela, nous utilisons 4 applications de mesure différentes (2 sous macOS et 2 sous Windows) et réalisons en plus des transferts de fichiers de tailles variées dans les deux sens (NAS -> Ordinateur puis Ordinateur -> NAS) :
À partir de ces tests, nous calculons une moyenne des transferts que nous représentons sous forme de graphiques, exprimée en mégaoctets par seconde. Plus le nombre est élevé, plus le NAS est rapide. Pour notre évaluation du F8 SSD Plus, nous avons configuré un premier volume avec 2 SSD en RAID 1, puis en RAID 1 avec le chiffrement des données et enfin avec 3 SSD en RAID 5.
En RAID 1, nous profitons de la sécurité minimum avec 2 SSD combinés. Comme vous pouvez le constater, le F8 SSD Plus est très à l’aise en lecture et écriture. Il a même dépasser les 1100 Mo/s en lecture ponctuellement dans certains cas.
Avec le chiffrement des données, on constate une perte significative en écriture, ce qui est normal. En lecture, les performances restent excellentes.
Nous terminons avec le volume en RAID 5, configuré avec les 3 SSD. Les performances en lecture et écritures sont très bonnes. On profite ici de toutes les performances offertes par les SSD et la prise réseau 10 Gb/s.
Meilleurs NAS 2025 : Choisissez le stockage réseau parfait pour vos besoins
Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas forcément TerraMaster et son système TOS 6, sachez qu’il est tout à fait possible de faire de la virtualisation de machine (Windows ou Linux). Le processeur du F8 SSD Plus est parfaitement adapté à cet usage. Il est bien sûr possible de faire tourner des conteneurs Docker. Grâce à son iGPU, il excelle également dans le transcodage vidéo, sans impacter les performances globales du NAS. En clair, il pourra gérer plusieurs flux sans ralentissement notable.
Les 2 ventilateurs au-dessous du boitier sont discrets, mais restent audibles à courte distance. Côté consommation électrique, en utilisation normale avec 3 SSD, elle varie entre 16 et 18 W. Lors de transferts intensifs avec chiffrement ou transcodage, elle ne dépasse pas 40 W.
Update – The Terramaster F6-424 Max NAS is NOW Available HERE on Amazon for $999
As TerraMaster continues to push the boundaries of affordable yet high-performance NAS devices, the F6-424 Max stands out as a flagship model designed to cater to the needs of power users, small businesses, and home lab enthusiasts. Released in September 2024 at a price point of $999.99, the F6-424 Max builds upon TerraMaster’s reputation for offering hardware that rivals premium competitors like Synology and QNAP but at a more accessible price. At the heart of this NAS is an Intel Core i5-1235U, a 10-core, 12-thread CPU that promises to handle everything from virtualization to media transcoding with ease. Coupled with dual M.2 NVMe slots, two 10GbE network ports, and support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, the F6-424 Max is aimed at users who require not just storage but also serious compute power.
Before diving into the detailed review of the F6-424 Max, it’s essential to understand how this model compares to its siblings, the smaller capacity F6-424, F4-424 and the F4-424 Pro. Each of these NAS units targets different segments of the market, from home users and enthusiasts to businesses requiring more power. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the F6-424, F6-424 Pro, and F6-424 Max.
The TerraMaster F6-424 Max is a robust 6-bay NAS system that offers a powerful mix of features and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. Powered by the Intel i5-1235U CPU with 10 cores and 12 threads, the F6-424 Max excels at resource-intensive applications such as Plex media streaming, 4K hardware transcoding, and virtual machine hosting. Its dual M.2 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen 4 speeds significantly improve storage performance, especially when used for caching, while the two 10GbE ports offer high-speed networking environments, allowing for 20Gbps throughput via link aggregation.
In terms of software, TOS 6 brings notable improvements, although it still lags behind the more polished ecosystems of Synology DSM and QNAP QTS. That said, TerraMaster’s continuous software evolution with each new version of TOS ensures that users have access to more robust tools and security features. For its price point of $999, the F6-424 Max is a compelling option for those seeking high-performance NAS solutions with scalability in mind. While the Pro model offers competitive performance, the Max takes it a step further with advanced networking, making it ideal for environments where speed is a priority.
SOFTWARE - 6/10
HARDWARE - 8/10PERFORMANCE - 8/10PRICE - 9/10VALUE - 9/10
8.0
PROS
Powerful Hardware: Intel i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads for resource-heavy tasks.Dual 10GbE Ports: High-speed networking capabilities with link aggregation for up to 20Gbps, ideal for large file transfers.PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Support: Two M.2 NVMe slots offering exceptional performance for caching or additional high-speed storage.Efficient Cooling: The large 120mm fan ensures quiet and effective cooling, making it suitable for home and office environments.Improved TOS 6 Software: Enhancements in GUI, backup tools, and overall security bring TOS closer to its competitors.
CONS
Higher Price Tag: At just under $1K, it’s more expensive than TerraMaster’s other models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.No PCIe Expansion: Lack of a PCIe slot limits potential for future upgrades, such as adding 10GbE cards or more M.2 drives.Presentation: The software has improved a lot, but still feels inconsistent in places compared with alternatives from brands such as Synology and QNAP.
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Where to Buy? Terramaster F6-424 Max ($899 Amazon) – HERETerramaster F6-424 Max ($799 Aliexpress) – HERE |
The F6-424 Max is equipped with some of the most powerful hardware seen in a domestic 6-bay NAS from TerraMaster. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key hardware components:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads, 1.3GHz base, 4.4GHz boost) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR5 (expandable up to 64GB) |
| Drive Bays | 6x 3.5”/2.5” SATA (hot-swappable, up to 144TB total) |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2x PCIe Gen 4 x4 (for caching or additional storage) |
| Networking | 2x 10GbE RJ45 (supports link aggregation) |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz) |
| Cooling | 1x 120mm fan (smart cooling system with multiple speeds) |
| Power Consumption | 35W (idle), 70W (under full load) |
| Chassis Dimensions | 222 x 179 x 154 mm |
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
The Intel i5-1235U is the real powerhouse of the F6-424 Max, combining two performance cores with eight efficiency cores for excellent multi-threaded performance. Whether you’re running virtual machines, AI workloads, or 4K Plex streams, this processor handles it all with ease. The 8GB of DDR5 memory is a solid starting point, but the system can support up to 64GB for users with more demanding needs.
Another key hardware feature is the dual 10GbE network ports, which offer more than just fast networking—they enable link aggregation to provide up to 20Gbps of network throughput. This makes the F6-424 Max perfect for video editing teams, large backups, or any environment requiring high-speed network transfers.
The F6-424 Max arrives in a sleek, modern chassis that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. The design has evolved significantly from TerraMaster’s older NAS models, taking cues from premium brands like Synology and QNAP. The brushed matte black plastic gives it a professional look while the ventilation design has been carefully optimized to improve airflow.
One of the standout features of the chassis is the dual 80mm fans at the rear of the unit. This fan works in tandem with the ventilated side panels, which are adorned with the TerraMaster logo, to ensure that the system remains cool even under heavy loads. The fans operate quietly, thanks to its smart cooling system, which adjusts fan speeds based on the internal temperature of the NAS.
The drive bays are hot-swappable and feature tool-less installation, making it incredibly easy to add or replace drives. The drive trays are constructed from durable plastic, and while they may feel a bit less premium compared to metal trays, they securely hold both 3.5” and 2.5” SATA drives. The trays slide effortlessly into the SATA connectors, and an intuitive push-to-lock mechanism prevents accidental ejection during operation.
On the front of the NAS, the LED indicators for system status, drive health, and network activity are discreet but easy to read. However, one minor complaint is the absence of a front-facing USB port, which could have made external drive backups or peripheral connections more convenient.
The F6-424 Max comes packed with a variety of ports that make it a versatile system for both high-speed networking and peripheral connections. The most significant feature is the dual 10GbE ports, which allow for link aggregation, effectively doubling your network bandwidth to 20Gbps when connected to a compatible switch. This level of networking is particularly useful for users handling large data transfers, 4K video editing, or multiple virtual machines.
In addition to the 10GbE ports, the NAS includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two of which are Type-A and one Type-C. These ports provide data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, making them perfect for connecting external storage devices or peripherals like printers or USB drives. One of the notable improvements in this model is the inclusion of the USB Type-C port, which adds an extra layer of versatility for modern devices.
The HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K video output at 60Hz, which is ideal for users who wish to use the NAS for multimedia purposes or need a direct console for diagnostics and maintenance. However, it’s important to note that TerraMaster still hasn’t implemented a local GUI platform like QNAP’s HD Station or Asustor Portal, so the HDMI port is mostly useful for users running third-party operating systems like UnRAID or TrueNAS.
Overall, the port layout of the F6-424 Max is well-suited for high-performance environments but lacks some of the extra features—such as PCIe expansion or additional USB ports—that would make it even more versatile for advanced users.
Opening up the F6-424 Max reveals a well-organized internal layout with some serious hardware under the hood. One of the most impressive aspects of the design is the integration of PCIe Gen 4 lanes, which significantly boosts the performance potential of the system. The Intel i5-1235U processor comes equipped with 20 PCIe lanes, and TerraMaster has used these lanes effectively to ensure that the NAS delivers exceptional I/O performance.
The two M.2 NVMe slots are directly connected via PCIe Gen 4 x4, which means that each slot can support full Gen 4 speeds of up to 8GB/s per drive. This is a massive improvement over the previous Gen 3 models, which were limited to 4GB/s. These NVMe slots can be used for caching, allowing users to speed up read/write operations when using slower mechanical drives in the main six bays, or they can be used as standalone storage pools for data-intensive tasks.
However, TerraMaster could have taken the hardware to the next level by offering a PCIe expansion slot. Many competitors in this price range, such as QNAP and Asustor, include a PCIe slot for adding additional network cards, SSDs, or Thunderbolt expansion cards. While the F6-424 Max is already a strong performer, the lack of expansion options could be a limiting factor for users who require more versatility from their NAS.
In terms of power efficiency, the F6-424 Max is highly optimized for its hardware class. Under full load, it draws around 70W, which is impressive considering the performance it delivers. The passive cooling on the Intel i5 CPU, combined with the large rear fan, ensures that the system remains cool without excessive noise or power consumption.
Review of the TOS 6 software (in Beta) HERE
With the release of TOS 6, TerraMaster has made great strides in enhancing the functionality and usability of its NAS systems. TOS 6 offers improved snapshot capabilities, better backup management, and enhanced support for cloud synchronization services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3. This means users can seamlessly synchronize their local NAS data with cloud storage, providing a layer of protection against data loss.
Another notable feature of TOS 6 is TRAID, TerraMaster’s flexible RAID configuration system, which allows users to combine disks of different sizes while still benefiting from redundancy. This is comparable to Synology’s Hybrid RAID (SHR), making it easier to expand storage in the future without being tied to identical drives. Additionally, TOS 6 supports AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring that sensitive data is protected both in transit and at rest.
However, while TOS 6 has seen significant improvements, it still lacks some of the advanced features found in Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. For example, TerraMaster’s photo management app (Terra Photos) is still in its beta phase and lacks the advanced AI-driven organization features of Synology Moments or QNAP QuMagie. Additionally, while Plex Media Server runs smoothly on the F6-424 Max, TerraMaster’s native multimedia tools are not as polished, making it less appealing for users who rely heavily on NAS-based multimedia management.
The TerraMaster F6-424 Max is a standout NAS system in TerraMaster’s lineup, offering impressive hardware specifications and solid performance at a price point of $999.99. For users who need high-speed data transfers, intensive compute power, and flexibility in storage configurations, the F6-424 Max is an excellent option. The combination of the Intel i5-1235U CPU, dual 10GbE ports, and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe support ensures that the NAS can handle even the most demanding tasks, whether it’s virtualization, media transcoding, or large-scale backups.
That said, when compared to the F4-424 Max, which is priced at $799.99, the Max model offers significantly more networking power and potential for speed. However, the Pro model still provides fantastic performance for most home and small office users, making it a more budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t require 10GbE or advanced NVMe functionality.
In terms of software, Synology DSM and QNAP QTS are still more evolved, offering richer multimedia experiences and better integration for business applications. However, TOS 6 continues to improve with every iteration, closing the gap between TerraMaster and these larger players. With new features like TRAID, cloud sync, and improved snapshot management, TOS is becoming more user-friendly and robust. For users prioritizing performance, flexibility, and future-proofing, the F6-424 Max is a strong contender and offers excellent value for money. While there are areas where TerraMaster could improve, such as the lack of PCIe expansion and front-facing USB ports, the F6-424 Max delivers on its promise of high performance and scalable storage solutions.
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Note – Terramaster have changed their policy with regard to installation of 3rd Party OS’ on their systems. This change now means that running UnRAID on your Terramaster NAS will NOT invalidate your 2/3 Year (device dependent) hardware warranty. However they will not support you on a software level and if you damage/corrupt the internal USB that bootloads the TOS OS, or mount your TOS storage in UnRAID and/or render it unusable in TOS, they will not be able to support you in reversing it. So, BACKUP YORU DATA/TOS CONFIG if you think you will be returning to the default OS setup down the road!
Aong the many Network Attached Storage (NAS) software options discussed online, one of the most underrated yet highly effective solutions in the DIY server community is UnRAID. Like many great innovations, UnRAID was born out of necessity—developed by a software engineer looking to solve a personal challenge. In the early 2000s, the primary concern was efficiently storing, accessing, and backing up large amounts of media. While RAID solutions existed, they came with rigid configurations, limited flexibility, and performance overheads that made 24/7 operation difficult for average users.
Fast forward to 2025, and while the NAS software market is filled with a variety of solutions, UnRAID has maintained a strong following among users who prioritize flexibility and customization. Unlike traditional RAID setups, UnRAID provides a unique approach to storage management, offering users greater control over their data, media, applications, and even virtual desktops. Its appeal extends to media enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals handling large data workloads, thanks to its ability to run on virtually any combination of hardware. This open-ended hardware compatibility grants users the freedom to build and optimize their systems to fit their exact needs.
So, where does TerraMaster NAS fit into the picture? At first glance, TerraMaster might seem like a traditional plug-and-play NAS solution, bundling hardware with its proprietary TOS operating system. However, many users who are drawn to UnRAID’s features may lack the confidence or technical expertise to build their own NAS from scratch. This is where TerraMaster NAS stands out—it offers an excellent balance of affordability, hardware capability, and ease of modification. Not only does it provide some of the best price-to-performance hardware options in 2025, but it is also surprisingly simple to reconfigure and install alternative software like UnRAID.
Note – There is a full 30+ Min Guide showing you how to Install UnRAID on a Terramaster NAS here on the NASCompares YouTube Channel.
It’s important to note that simply owning a TerraMaster NAS isn’t enough to get UnRAID up and running. The process requires a few additional steps, as well as some extra components—many of which you may already have at home or in your office. If not, a quick online purchase for around $10 should cover what you need. Before proceeding with the upgrade, be sure to check and gather the following essentials:
That is about it. Most of these (maybe not the USB drive at that physical size) you will almost certainly already have to hand.
Almost certainly, yes! However, there is one important caveat to keep in mind. When switching from TerraMaster’s TOS to UnRAID, the internal drives (HDDs and/or SSDs) will be reformatted to UnRAID’s storage pools, making them incompatible with TOS until reformatted again. This also applies if you decide to revert back to TOS—the transition is straightforward (simply replacing the internal USB drive and rebooting), but all data on the disks will be erased in the process.
Therefore, before making the switch between NAS operating systems, ensure that all critical data is properly backed up elsewhere. With that in mind, let’s move forward with installing UnRAID on your TerraMaster NAS.
Head to the UnRAID website HERE and download the latest stable release of the software to your local PC, Linux or Mac system. Make sure to remember where you downloaded it. You CAN recommend the USB creator tool and that can allow you to create a system image of the UnRAID loader, but some users have highlighted that compatibility issues with some USB sticks and capacities have been highlighted. So, that is why I recommend scrolling down and downloaded the latest stable release of UnRAID to your local PC/Mac system.
Connect the small form factor USB Drive to your system (again, this is the one I used from Sandisk) and after a few seconds, it should appear as an available USB Drive. The drive MAY need formatting (you will be prompted to do so), if that is the case, then you can format it via the system prompts and by default, it will format it to FAT32 (as long as your USB is less than 32GB). If you are not presented with a system prompt to format your USB, then you can head into My PC, or My Computer via a windows computer and right-click the drive, select ‘format’ and format it that way. IMPORTANT – Make sure in the ‘volume label’ or Drive Label field, you call the drive UNRAID (all in caps and no spacing)
If you have used the USB for other things previously, there is a chance that the drive has existing partitions in place. For that, the quickest way to completely remove any partitions is to open up the bottom-left windows system menu as normal, and then just type diskpart and open the command-line GUI tool. From there, use the command list disk to show the available drives that are connected, you will see your USB (normally disk 1 or 2, but can differ depending on your system layout and can be spotted by the storage amount). From there, type select disk # (where # is the drive number that your USB is shown as) and then type clean, which which will then remove any index structure for the drive (i.e the partitions and existing format) and then you can go back to the My Computer/My PC page and format the drive to FAT 32 as normal.
Now that your USB has been prepared for the UnRAID USB setup, the next thing you need to do is move the appropriate installation files over to it. Find the .zip UnRAID Server installation you downloaded earlier on your PC/Mac system.
Then use the 1st party extractor tool or 3rd party tools such as WinRAR, then extract the contents of the downloaded .zip to the UNRAID USB drive (DO NOT CREATE ANY ADDITIONAL FOLDER STRUCTURE)!
REMEMBER! This will completely format your USB drive and any files that are on that USB will be destroyed. The process upto this point will have turned the USB into a pure boot image tool – the USB will not be usable for traditional storage again unless you completely format it again.
Now that you have the files extracted onto the UNRAID USB drive, you need to go into the folder structure and right-click the .bat file ‘make_bootable’, then select ‘run as Administrator’. This will open a new cmd window.
In this new CMD window, you simply need to press any button and the bootable batch file will do it’s thing in less than a second. Press any button again to exit the CMD window. Next, we need to amend a folder to ensure the drive is picked up as a bootable drive in the Terramaster mobo.
File the folder labelled ‘EFI-‘ and then rename it ‘EFI’. That’s all, there is nothing else left to change.
You can now safely remove the USB using the contextual system options on Windows/Mac systems and then prepare to install the USB inside the Terramaster NAS.
This next step is going to differ depending on the Terramaster NAS Drive you are choosing to use. For this guide, I am using a 2023 generation F4-423 4-Bay NAS for this install, but the general steps are the same for any Terramaster NAS (though the location of the USB will differ) all the way up to the recently released F4-424 Max and T9-500 Pro!. With the Terramaster NAS disconnected from the network and from any power source. From there you will need to remove the external casing. In the case of most Terramaster NAS, the chassis is held by 4-6 screws on the rear of the casing that, when removed, allow you to remove the rear pannel+fans and slide the internal framework out the front of the casing (be sure to check the fans are not disconnected accidentally in this process). IMPORTANT – Remove any HDD/SSD Media during the dismantling of the Terramaster NAS chassis, as it would be so, SO easy to harm these with accidentally dropping/motion damage. No need to remember the order of the drives when you re-install them, as they are going to be formatted during the UnRAID installation.
Now, if you take a closer look at the main controller board of the Terramaster NAS (the one with network/USB ports attached, not the one that the HDD/SSD bays are on), you will spot a VERY small USB module in a tiny USB port. It should look something like this:
Now, THIS is where the default Terramaster TOS NAS software installation is kept. This is NOT where the OS actually runs from, but this is where the system checks in it’s BIOS when booting to find installation media (IF the system does not already have an active OS on the drives). Very delicately (as it IS a small USB and likely tucked in next to some other delicate components) remove the USB there is there, put it somewhere safe (as you will need this if you ever want to return the Terramster back to a TOS software system) and then replace it with the USB from earlier. THIS is why you needed a very small USB, as otherwise there is simply no way you would fit a traditional USB flash stick in the space provided.
That is pretty much it. This only other thing to factor in here is IF your Terramaster NAS does NOT have an external HDMI port. Most Terramsater NAS released after the 2020 generation have an HDMI port on the rear that although largely useless in TOS, is still accessible (something you will need for UnRAID initialization. However, some Terramaster NAS with Intel Processors have the HDMI Port located INSIDE the main chassis (much older 2018/2029 SERIES). So, IF your NAS has an inside HDMI port, you are going to need to connect an HDMI monitor to it and run the initial installation (covering in a bit) with the chassis in this open state. After installation is complete, you can close the Terramaster NAS chassis up. Otherwise, if your NAS already has an external HDMI port, you can go ahead and reconstruct the NAS chassis. Essentially, if you NAS has integrated graphics (Intel Celeron, Pentium, N100, N305, Core, etc), you will have an HDMI output.
NOTE – If you plan on upgrading the memory of your NAS to 8GB-16GB (in order to use ALL of the features of UnRAID to their fullest extent), I would recommend doing so at this point before rebuilding the physical chassis again, as many Terramaser NAS have the 2nd SODIMM memory slot in really tight locations.
Next, you need to start getting the system ready for Initialization and Setup. I would strongly recommend running the first-time installation via a direct interface with the Terramaster NAS. You will need to connect an HDMI Monitor/TV/Capture Card to the HDMI port of the NAS, a Keyboard (and/or mouse) to an available USB port) and then connect the power/network connections to the NAS and boot the device up. After this method of connection (as it allows you to check everything is working), you can switch back to accessing the system over the network in future.
You have two options with how to access the configuration and controls.
You can use the HDMI+Keyboard if you choose for console/command level access. Alternatively (much more recommended), use a program such as Advanced IP Scanner, which is free and VERY useful anyway, or even network command prompt) to scan your local area network and find where the Terramaster with UnRAID is located (i.e it’s IP).
This IP (eg 192.168.1.113) is what you put into the URL bar of your web browser and it will load into the login GUI for UnRAID. From here you will need to use the username ‘root’ in combination with the password that you created during initialization.
And that is about it. You now have UnRAID installed as the default OS of your Terramaster NAS. Now, it is worth remembering that UnRAID does require the use of a licence key in order to use all of the storage features. The type of licence you will need will be largely based on the scale of your storage (in terms of # of drives). However, you CAN go ahead and register for a free 30 day trial of UnRAID from within the GUI and get started.
From here you can do anything and everything that his highly regarded and exceptionally low resource-consuming server software offers. Head into the Storage area and start creating pools, as well as areas for caching and lots more features.
UnRAID was recently updated to ver.6.10.3 in a stable release of the massively portable format The first thing you are going to need to do when setting up your UnRAID > Terramaster NAS server is set up your storage. Do this by heading into the storage tab and following the handy steps on the screen. After that, you can pretty much do anything on your new lightweight NAS server!
Another fantastically easy and powerful bit of DiY NAS Software you can download that is often compared against is, of course, TrueNAS Core (currently in it’s Ver 13 release) You can find out more about TrueNAS Core in my full review below that covers everything I like and dislike about the platform:
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide has been helpful in maximizing your storage and getting the most out of your NAS. If you’d like to support my work and help me continue creating in-depth guides, reviews, and tutorials on NAS and related topics, there are a few ways you can do so—any of which I’d truly appreciate! You can visit the “Support NAS Passion” page HERE to explore different ways to contribute. Another easy way to help is by using the links below when shopping for your hardware—purchasing through these links earns us a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps keep the site running. Not looking to contribute financially? No problem (let’s be honest, we are all a bit strapped for cash these days – preach! You can still support us by recommending this blog to a friend, sharing a link on social media, or spreading the word to others who might find it useful.
Thanks again for reading, and have a fantastic week!
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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver
Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
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When exploring NAS solutions for business in 2024, 8-Bay NAS drives stand out as a significant upgrade in both capability and professionalism. While NAS devices are commonly used in homes and small businesses for basic storage, the 8-Bay models represent a major advancement. These systems, supporting both hard drives and SSDs, highlight the cutting-edge features offered by NAS brands today. Historically, 8-Bay NAS units have played a crucial role in bridging the gap between desktop and rackmount servers, providing superior storage, performance, and redundancy. With features like 10-gigabit ethernet, Xeon processors, and expanded memory, they cater to a more demanding range of users and applications. NAS manufacturers have long recognized the need for powerful desktop alternatives to traditional rackmount systems, and 8-Bay NAS servers have filled that gap. With a variety of models offering similar price points but diverse hardware and software capabilities, the selection process can be overwhelming. In this updated guide, I’ll highlight the top three 8-Bay NAS systems to consider at the tail end of 2024 and into 2025, focusing on value, scalability, and performance. Let’s get started.
Best NAS of the Year
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While there are plenty of 8-Bay NAS drives available, not all offer the same level of quality and features. Many budget brands may seem appealing but often compromise on durability and reliability. Whether you’re considering my top recommendations or looking at other options, the best 8-Bay NAS systems should always include the following key features:
Make sure any 8-Bay NAS you consider includes these features to avoid ending up with an inferior product.
0-192TB, Intel i5-1235u 10 Core, 12 Thread CPU, 8-64GB DDR5, 8x SATA, 2x PCIe Gen 4 m.2, PCIe x4 Slot, 2x 10GbE, 2x USB4/TB4, SD Card Slot, 3x 10GbE
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $1499 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H
Hardware Review – HERE
YouTube Video Review – HERE
Much like the rest of the NASync series, the UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS 8-Bay NAS is incredibly good value in terms of hardware and, if you are looking for the very best desktop NAS hardware for the price point available in the market – the DXP8800 PLUS is truly unbeatable in its specifications, build quality and overall physical presentation. Even going full ‘DiY’ and trying to build a system of this calibre yourself (case, cables, i5 embedded mobo, 2 port 10GbE card, 2 NVMe, 8 SATA, case, cooling, etc), you would struggle to beat the sub $999 of this system by a meaningful margin. Add to this the fact that UGREEN have now softened their stance on 3rd party NAS OS’ on their NAS devices having no aggressive impact on your 3-year hardware warranty has won a lot more users over, as the DXP8800 PLUS becomes the perfect TrueNAS or UnRAID NAS for users who don’t want the hassle of building from scratch, chasing multiple warranty’s and silicon paste under the fingernails! Genuinely, it is impossible to fault the DXP8800 PLUS on a hardware level (it’s not even that noisy, compared to other 8-Bay NAS in the market at least).
When it comes to software and performance, however, things are a little more complicated. The UGREEN NAS software (UGOS) is still very much in beta, and it feels likes it. The system (at time of writing) has still yet to complete initial crowdfunding and development of the software is still on-going (so we are still judging a software OS that hasn’t finished). But nevertheless, the absence of services such as 2 factor authentication, WORM, a comprehensive security monitor, volume encryption, a virtual machine hypervisor, broader 3rd party cloud sync and backup tools, etc – the absence of these (as well as inconsistencies in the software and performance, that arguably are possibly related to it’s beta status) lead to it being hard to recommend the DXP8800 PLUS on a software level. However, this system will not see physical fulfilment to backers till at least June/July at the very earliest, which is still a decent amount of time to polish the software and roll out beta’s of individual services that are promised on the UGREEN roadmap.
Perhaps you are looking at the DXP8800 PLUS series for TrueNAS/UnRAID/OMV etc, or simply to set it up for local SMB storage for your backups and then use the docker app to run Plex. For those users, the DXP8800 is an absolute bargain. Overall, I am hugely impressed and look forward to seeing where this system, UGOS and UGREEN go in the exciting world of NAS in the next year or two. The DXP8800 PLUS is a BEAST of a NAS in terms of hardware, but the software is still WiP.
SOFTWARE - 6/10
HARDWARE - 10/10PERFORMANCE - 7/10PRICE - 10/10VALUE - 9/10
8.4
PROS
PCIe Expandability8 HDDs + 2x Gen 4 M.2 in 1 box under $999Good Balanced CPU choice10GbE Dual Ports!An SD Card Slot (wierdly rare!)10/10 Build QualityGreat ScalabilityFantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)Desktop/Browser GUI shows promiseEstablished Brand entering the NAS MarketNot too noisy (comparatively)Very Appealing retail package+accessories
CONS
10GbE Performance was less than expectedCrowdfunding choice is confusingSoftware (still in Beta) is still far from ready 18/4/24
 DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now?These Offers are Checked Daily
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0-176TB, 8-Bays, 2x NVMe Cache Bays, Quad-Core Ryzen V1500B 2.2Ghz CPU, 4-32GB DDR4 ECC Memory, 4x 1Gbe Port, 1x PCIe 3×8 Upgrade Slot, 5yr Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $1099
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review Dec ’20:
What you have here is a solid piece of hardware that very much lives up to everything Synology promises, even if some of those promises aren’t to everyone’s taste. With a hardware architecture that we have already tested to notable success in the DS1621+ previously, we already knew that this NAS would be able to do everything it promised. Many users looking to spend their annual business budgets on an improved or extended data storage solution will find the balanced position of hardware vs software found by the Synology DS1821+ to be quite desirable, as well as the scaled potential to upgrade external performance via PCIe and storage via eSATA. However, there is no ignoring that despite the fact this 2020 release excels in many things, it also arrives with a little bottlenecking in a number of others. The continued default utilisation of 1Gbe on the newest generation by Synology is somewhat perplexing and although I have continued admiration for Synology’s engagement with intelligent M2 NVMe cache utilisation and providing a solution that allows more flexible upgrade paths, I know that there are still users who just wish they could use that super fast NAND for raw storage pools and have better than gigabit connections out by default.
It has never been a secret that buying a Synology NAS solution was always a largely ‘software over hardware’ purchase, and the DS1821+ is still a fine example of that balance. However, with other brands closing the gap in what they can offer the SMB (Small/Medium Business) user, while still providing superior hardware and similar warranty coverage, there is the tiniest feeling that the DS1821+ is a NAS that sits on its laurels a bit. Hugely upgradable and still with that award-winning and fantastically intuative DSM software, the DS1821+ is about buying a solution you can adapt within its lifespan and not one that will knock your socks off on day one. A solid and dependable data storage solution, if a little safe, at the end of 2020.
Desktop Ryzen Powered SolutionDual NVMe M.2 cachePCIe Gen 3 x8 PCIe EquippedGreat RAID Options (inc SHR)Excellent choice of AppsDDR4 ECC Memory up to 32GBNumerous Backup Software OptionsHuge Virtualization Support3yr Warranty and Extendable to 5yrs
1Gbe Ports seem a bit limited nowShame it does not support 1/2 x DX1215NVMe SSDs cannot be used for RAW storage
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DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? Synology DS1821+ 8-Bay Diskstation NAS (AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core 2,2 GHz 4 GB Amazon UK 149.78 OFF (WAS 3350) [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily
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0-64TB, 8x M.2 NVMe Gen 3×1 SSD Bays, 16-32GB DDR5, 10GbE x1, USB 3.2 10G x3, HDMI 4k 60fps, 2 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $799 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H
Hardware Review – HERE
YouTube Video Review – HERE
You really have to give Terramaster credit here for this system. With so many brands trying to enter the world of dedicated flash SSD storage in the last year or so, the F8 SSD Plus is hands down one of the most impressively designed options out there. Somehow arriving with more storage than most options out there, whilst also being the smallest. Long-time storage veterans are definitely going to ponder temperatures and operational heat when the system has been up and running for long periods of time, but Terramaster has clearly factored this in too with a vast amount of tactical heatsink placement, angled airflow, and painfully necessary SSD performance reductions in order to stop the cart before the horse bolts in terms of heat! The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus is by no means a perfect SSD NAS! Not by a long shot in fact! As long as you keep it realistic in terms of what you expect an eight-bay SSD system of this scale and price point to be able to do, I do not think you will be disappointed! Just make sure to remember that this is not an enterprise piece of kit, and is geared far more towards the prosumer, the enthusiast, and perhaps the small/medium business user.
Content creators, photographers, videographers, and those that want to manage a fast-moving database in a small group of users are definitely going to feel the benefits of the F8 SSD Plus. But the absence of higher-tier business features in terms of hardware, such as ECC memory and no network failover out of the box, are going to be a pain for those bigger users that have bigger demands. The TOS 6 software is, on the whole, better than it’s ever been in terms of feature set, functionality, and responsiveness. I am still not really in love with the “Windows 11” aesthetic, and definitely miss the TOS 5 desktop style that has become something of a staple of the NAS software industry, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. At this point, there really are very few things available in the NAS market in terms of software that are not available here. A flexible RAID system in T-Raid, support of BTRFS, a multi-tiered backup software, multiple client tools, support of Write Once Read Many, volume encryption, two-factor authentication, isolation mode, the list goes on and on. It would be easy to critique the system in saying that it lacks ZFS (with numerous inline features that really benefit SSD use), but then you also remember that Terramaster allows users to use third-party operating systems like UnRAID and TrueNAS, which means that these are not completely off the table anyway!
Overall, I’ve got to say that the Terramaster F8 SSD Plus is a fantastically capable, affordable, and impressive desktop flash NAS system, and in a growing competitive marketplace for these kinds of devices, Terramaster has done a phenomenal job in their introduction of a new SSD-targeted solution in their portfolio. It may lack some of the software pizzazz of a Synology or aggressive hardware of a QNAP, but it manages to do its own thing very well, and as long as you keep your expectations realistic, this is a phenomenal NAS for 2024/2025.
SOFTWARE - 8/10
HARDWARE - 8/10PERFORMANCE - 7/10PRICE - 9/10VALUE - 10/10
8.4
PROS
Compact Size with High Storage Capacity: Despite its small footprint, the F8 SSD Plus can accommodate up to 8 M.2 SSDs, providing significant storage in a compact form factor.Effective Heat Management: The system features strategic heatsink placement, angled airflow, and SSD performance adjustments to manage heat efficiently.Affordable Price Point: Offers a cost-effective solution for a flash NAS system, making it accessible to a wide range of users.Versatile Use: Suitable for prosumers, enthusiasts, small to medium businesses, content creators, photographers, videographers, and those managing fast-moving databases.Improved TOS 6 Software: The latest TOS 6 software version includes a broad range of features such as RAID support, BTRFS, multi-tiered backup, and more.Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Users can install third-party NAS software like UnRAID and TrueNAS, offering flexibility and customization options.Low Power Consumption: Utilizes an efficient Intel N305 i3 processor, which keeps power usage low while still delivering adequate performance.Quiet Operation: Despite being a pure SSD system, the fan noise is minimal, making it suitable for quieter environments.Good Connectivity Options: Includes a 10 GbE port and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, allowing for a range of external connections and expansions.Environmentally Conscious Design: The packaging is mostly recyclable, and the use of external PSUs can help reduce heat and potential e-waste.
CONS
Lacks High-End Business Features: Missing enterprise-level features such as ECC memory and network failover, which are important for more demanding business environments.Single 10 GbE Port: Only one network port limits redundancy and failover options, potentially creating a bottleneck for data transfer.Aesthetic and UI Concerns: The new “Windows 11” aesthetic of TOS 6 may not appeal to all users, and the lack of the familiar TOS 5 desktop style might be a drawback for some.No Native ZFS Support: Although there are alternative file systems available, the absence of native ZFS support, which benefits SSD use with features like data integrity and snapshot capabilities, may be seen as a limitation.
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0-144TB HDD, 0-32TB M.2, Intel 10 Core i5-1235u, 16-64GB DDR5, 6x SATA Slots, 4+6 NVMe, 1x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE, 2x TB4/USB4, 2x PCIe Slot, 2 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $TBC
Hardware Review – HERE
YouTube Video Review – HERE
The ZimaCube Pro is a well-rounded NAS solution that combines robust hardware with extensive connectivity options, making it a viable choice for users with demanding storage and processing needs. The device’s solid construction and comprehensive storage capabilities make it a reliable option for professionals involved in content creation, data management, and media processing. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and multiple Ethernet interfaces enhance its versatility, allowing it to adapt to various use cases and environments. However, the ZimaCube Pro also presents some challenges that potential users should consider. The device’s high noise levels, particularly under load, could be a concern for those who prioritize a quiet operating environment. The aggressive cooling profile, while effective in managing heat, contributes to this noise issue and may detract from the overall user experience. Additionally, the device’s write performance is less consistent than its read performance, which could impact users who require reliable and fast data transfer for write-intensive tasks.
The software functionality, while adequate, may require further refinement to fully leverage the device’s hardware potential. Firmware updates and enhancements could address these limitations, improving the device’s performance and user experience over time. In summary, the ZimaCube Pro shows significant potential as a high-performance NAS solution, particularly for specific user groups like content creators and data professionals. However, users should weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering their specific needs and environments, before investing in this NAS solution. While the device offers a solid foundation, further optimization and refinement could enhance its appeal, making it a more competitive choice in the NAS market.
0-192TB, AMD Emb.Ryzen V3000, 16-64GB DDR5 ECC, 8x SATA, 4x M.2 Gen4x1 Slots, 2x 10GbE, 2x 5GbE, 2x USB4/TB4, 3 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $1799 (Nov/Dec) – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H
Hardware Review – HERE
YouTube Video Review – HERE
The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 is a significant leap forward, showcasing enhanced hardware and connectivity tailored to high-performance storage needs. Built with an AMD Ryzen V3000 Embedded processor, this NAS balances power and efficiency for various data-intensive tasks. Its ECC DDR5 memory ensures data integrity, making it reliable for professional users handling large data volumes. Equipped with dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports alongside USB4, the Lockerstor Gen 3 achieves up to 30 Gbps in total network connectivity and offers PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe support, maximizing throughput across multiple high-speed connections. Real-world testing confirmed its capability to reach transfer speeds over 3 GB/s with combined network and USB4 connections. Performance tests on standard HDDs in RAID 5 mode over 10GbE averaged 500–600 MB/s, while NVMe drives in RAID 0 fully utilized dual 10GbE with around 2.5 GB/s speeds.
When directly connected over USB4/Thunderbolt 4 for IP networking, it maintained stable speeds of 1.4–1.6 GB/s per USB4 link, a valuable setup for users in need of direct high-speed connections like video editors. With enhanced heat dissipation—thanks to a copper-finned heat pipe and airflow redesign—this NAS efficiently manages thermal output even with these high-performance components, ensuring a durable, high-speed performance setup in a compact form.
The Lockerstor Gen 3’s software, ADM 5, covers essential data management and security, though it lacks the advanced multimedia and AI features seen in competitors. Its lack of integrated graphics means transcoding support may be limited, but ADM 5 still enables smooth, secure file management, automatic backups, snapshots, and remote access. Asustor has improved default security settings, and ADM’s flexibility also allows for third-party OS installation, making it compatible with solutions like TrueNAS and Unraid for custom storage configurations. With network management features like Wake-on-LAN and Wake-on-WAN, and support for SMB Multichannel, the NAS provides robust options for deployments needing remote access and high-performance file sharing.
In terms of build quality, the Lockerstor Gen 3 combines a sturdy metal frame with low noise levels, even under heavy loads, and maintains efficient power consumption, peaking at 50 watts during active workloads—a notable feat given its power and compact size. The built-in LCD panel for direct monitoring and configuration adds convenience, and the unit’s comprehensive array of connections means it is equipped to handle multi-user, high-bandwidth environments. Overall, with a focus on performance, network flexibility, and reliable design, the Lockerstor Gen 3 is a standout choice for professionals who require scalable, high-speed storage without compromising on build quality or power efficiency.
High-Performance CPU: Equipped with the AMD Ryzen V3000 Embedded processor, delivering efficient, server-grade performance for demanding tasks.ECC DDR5 Memory: Includes 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity and reliability.Comprehensive Connectivity: Dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports, along with two USB4 ports, provide a combined bandwidth of up to 30 Gbps for versatile network setups.Advanced Data Protection: Offers RAID 5 and RAID 6 options for HDDs and NVMe drives, with hot-swappable capabilities and Btrfs support for snapshots.USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Over IP: Supports direct connection to Mac and Windows systems via USB4 for fast data transfers and point-to-point editing.Robust Build Quality: Sturdy metal chassis with minimal noise, even during heavy operations, and excellent heat dissipation with a copper heat pipe.ADM 5 Software: Reliable, secure OS with essential features like snapshots, remote access, and simplified setup; supports third-party OS installations.Efficient Power Consumption: Peaks at around 50W under heavy load, efficient for the system’s performance class.Front LCD Display: The configurable LCD panel allows direct monitoring and setup, a handy feature for easy system management.Excellent for Multi-User Environments: Multi-channel network support and high bandwidth make it ideal for collaborative, multi-client setups.
High Price Point: At around $1,799, it’s a premium option, potentially limiting appeal for home users and hobbyists.No Integrated Graphics: Lacks GPU support, limiting multimedia transcoding and high-end streaming capabilities.Software Limitations: ADM 5 is solid but doesn’t match the multimedia and AI features found in competitors like Synology and QNAP.M.2 NVMe Slots Limited to PCIe x1: Each NVMe slot is limited to x1 speed, slightly capping potential performance for SSDs.
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Choosing the right data storage solution for your needs can be very intimidating and it’s never too late to ask for help. With options ranging from NAS to DAS, Thunderbolt to SAS and connecting everything up so you can access all your lovely data at the touch of a button can be a lot simpler than you think. If you want some tips, guidance or help with everything from compatibility to suitability of a solution for you, why not drop me a message below and I will get back to you as soon as possible with what you should go for, its suitability and the best place to get it. This service is designed without profit in mind and in order to help you with your data storage needs, so I will try to answer your questions as soon as possible. Just enter in a few details of your setup, storage requirements and (in the case of buying a new solution) your budget – then me and Eddie the Web guy can help you with your question. This is a completely free service, is NOT provided with profit in mind and is manned by two humans (no bots, no automated replies, etc). Assistance might take an extra day or two (the service gets a lot of visitors) but we do try to answer every message. If you want to support this service, you can find out how to donate HERE. Otherwise, you can still just message us for free advice anyway!
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When searching for a new data storage solution, a 2-bay NAS often strikes the perfect balance between affordability and capacity, especially for beginners or first-time server owners. While the initial drawback of a 50% storage loss with RAID 1 (mirroring across two drives) remains, recent advancements have made 2-bay NAS systems much more appealing. Previously undervalued until about 2017-2018 due to their limited capacity and performance, these systems have come a long way. The latest models, including those released in 2024, now feature cutting-edge options like 10GbE connectivity. Plus, with NAS-specific drives such as Seagate Ironwolf and WD Red reaching up to 24-26TB, these compact systems offer both power and substantial storage. This guide will help you explore the best 2-Bay NAS options for 2024, highlighting top models in terms of software, hardware, and overall value to find the right fit for your home or business.
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Best 2-Bay NAS of the Year
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Despite the variety of 2-Bay NAS drives available, not all are created equal. Many budget options may seem appealing but often compromise on quality and reliability. Here are the key features that set the best NAS systems apart, whether you’re looking at our top picks or exploring other options in 2024:
These features ensure you’re getting a reliable and future-proof NAS for 2024.
0-28TBTB, 2-Bays, QTS or QuTS Software, Intel J6412 4-Core CPU, 8GB Memory, 2x 2.5GbE, 2x M.2 Gen 3×2 NVMe, HDMI 4K 60FPS, USB 3.2 10G x3, 3 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $499 on Amazon
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review Nov ’22 of the TS-453E:
The QNAP TS-253E is featured in my Best 2-Bay NAS of 2024 list due to its impressive balance of performance, features, and value – but MOST of all because of the recent change by QNAP on their software support. Powered by the Intel Celeron J6412 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, this NAS delivers a solid performance for small businesses and home offices. It includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, M.2 NVMe PCIe slots, and ZFS support via the QuTS hero OS, offering advanced data management features such as inline deduplication, compression, and enhanced RAID configurations. Additionally, its dual HDMI outputs and Intel OpenVINO AI acceleration make it ideal for multimedia applications and AI-powered surveillance, distinguishing it as a versatile and future-proof solution for users looking for both high-performance storage and advanced functionality in a compact package.
What sets the TS-253E apart is its support for a wide array of applications, including Docker containers and multimedia management, making it more than just a traditional file server. Its long-term availability until 2029 makes it a reliable investment for businesses needing continuity in their IT infrastructure. The ability to handle demanding workflows like AI image recognition, surveillance tasks, and 4K video transcoding, along with robust backup and security solutions, further enhances its appeal. While the hardware is not the most exciting on its own, the integration of QNAP’s powerful ZFS-based QuTS hero platform solidifies the TS-253E’s position as one of the best 2-bay NAS options for both business and personal use in 2024.
Exceptional CPU choice for the Scale/Tier8GB of DDR4 Memory2.5GbE (x2) Ports on Day 1Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) Ports!2x M.2 NVMe Slots alongside those 4x SATA Bays for Storage (Caching, Tiered Storage or standalone Pools)Includes VM, Surveillance (8 licenses and upto 32 Cams), Backup, Sync, Multimedia, SaaS sync/migration and office tools (some with added AI services)3-Year Warranty (Can be extended)VERY Compact, low-impact designSupports 1-2x Expansions20TB and 22TB Confirmed Compatibility
Memory Cannot be UpgradedM.2 NVMe SSD Slots are Gen 3 x2Chassis is still a little dated looking
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0-48TB, 2-Bays, Intel N95 CPU, 8-32GB DDR5 Memory, 2x 2.5GbE, HDMI 4K 60FPS, 2x M.2 NVMe SSD Gen 3, 2 Year Warranty, BTRFS Software
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $379
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review of the F4-424 Pro on Jan ’24:
The TerraMaster F2-424 earned its place in my top 2-Bay NAS drives of 2024 due to its impressive balance of modern features and ease of deployment, making it an ideal choice for SOHO users and tech enthusiasts. It is equipped with dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and two M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slots, which allow for SSD caching and significantly enhance its performance capabilities. These features, combined with 8GB of DDR5 memory and Intel’s N95 processor, offer enough power for high-performance tasks, such as virtualization and heavy database operations. The F2-424 is particularly suitable for users seeking a balance between affordability and functionality, offering a streamlined option for those not requiring excessive storage capacity.
Despite its robust feature set, the F2-424 has some limitations. It lacks the build quality and premium design elements seen in competitors like the Ugreen DXP2800, such as metal construction and lockable drive trays. The enclosure is plastic, and the absence of locks on the trays could pose a risk for users relying on RAID 0 or JBOD configurations. Still, TerraMaster delivers dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and impressive data transfer speeds with link aggregation, which allows up to 5Gbps network bandwidth, making it suitable for multiple concurrent users and a wide range of workloads.
One of the F2-424’s biggest strengths is its compatibility with Docker containers and third-party NAS operating systems like TrueNAS and unRAID, offering a high level of flexibility for developers or users with specific requirements. However, the price of $380 makes it a bit less competitive than some alternatives, especially given that newer NAS models from brands like Asustor and Ugreen offer comparable or better specs at slightly lower prices. Overall, the TerraMaster F2-424 is a solid option for those seeking a dual-bay NAS with excellent networking features and SSD cache support, despite its slightly higher price point and basic design.
SOFTWARE - 7/10
HARDWARE - 8/10PERFORMANCE - 9/10PRICE - 10/10VALUE - 10/10
8.8
PROS
Powerful Hardware:** Equipped with an Intel i3 N300 CPU and 32GB DDR5 memory, delivering robust performance.Redesigned Chassis:** Improved design for better cooling, hot-swapping, and internal accessibility.TOS 5 Software:** TerraMaster\'s TOS 5 software offers a clear GUI, enhanced backup tools, expanded storage options, and improved security features.Affordable Price:** Competitive pricing under $699 makes it an attractive option for its hardware and software capabilities.Flexible RAID Support:** Supports various RAID configurations, including TRAID for flexible disk array setup.Multiple Client Sync:** TerraSync tool efficiently synchronizes data across multiple users and devices.CCTV Surveillance:** Surveillance Manager offers video recording and monitoring features for added security.AI Photo Recognition:** Terra Photos uses AI algorithms to classify and manage photos effectively.
CONS
No 10GbE Support:** Lacks 10GbE support, potentially limiting network speed for some users.Memory Over-specification:** The inclusion of 32GB memory may raise concerns, given the CPU\'s maximum support of 16GB.Limited Packaging Quality:** Packaging and presentation are basic and may not match the standards of competitors.
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0-44TB, 2-Bays, Dedicated NVR HDMI/KVM Output, 8 Camera Licenses, Intel J4125 CPU, 6GB Memory, 1x 1Gbe Port, DSM & Surveillance Station 9, AI Surveillance Tasks and Analysis, 3yr Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $550-559
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review June ’23:
In conclusion, the Synology DVA1622 makes a compelling case for being the best 2-Bay NAS from Synology, despite its price increase over the DS720+ and DS723+. Its ability to run DSM 7.2 on par with its counterparts, while also executing Surveillance Station exceptionally well, sets it apart from the crowd. The added benefits of AI recognition, live AI analysis of recordings, people counting, and intelligent intrusion guidelines are features that can be invaluable to businesses and home users who prioritize their security. Along with these perks, the 8 included surveillance licenses, a significant bump from the 2 that come with other Synology NAS devices, provide excellent value, considering they would cost around $200-250 on their own. The integrated graphics within its CPU offers enhanced multimedia playback capabilities, not only in DSM but also in HEVC recordings in Surveillance Station 9.1. Additionally, the local HDMI/KVM support grants standalone surveillance access, a feature rarely found in other Synology NAS devices. The DVA1622 outclasses the DS720+ by coming with 6GB of memory in its default model, compared to their 2GB. This robust offering, combined with the excellence of Surveillance Station 9.1, one of the world’s best surveillance software, enables the DVA1622 to deliver one of the best experiences of this software. Access to both DSM and Surveillance Station on the DVA1622 equips you with a full suite of NVR/CCTV services, as well as the backup, syncing, sharing, and security capabilities of DSM 7.2.
However, the device isn’t without its limitations. It has only two USB ports, which may limit your flexibility for KVM setup with the HDMI and other USB-dependent tasks. Its single 1GbE port could potentially bottleneck your network, especially when running extensive camera setups and other network-heavy tasks. Additionally, the maximum memory of 6GB could hit a ceiling if you are running several services in DSM 7.2, operating 16 cameras, and managing 2 AI tasks simultaneously, considering the CPU supports up to 8GB. The lack of expandability with the Synology DX517 expansion chassis also limits storage potential, with a 2-Bay NAS typically implying a RAID 1 setup and halving the possible maximum storage. Despite these limitations, the DVA1622 stands as an excellent choice for a 2-Bay NAS. It is highly recommended for both surveillance and standard Synology DSM usage. However, it is essential to remember its lack of local connectivity and scalability when compared to the DS723+, which offers 32GB maximum.
SOFTWARE - 10/10
HARDWARE - 8/10PERFORMANCE - 8/10PRICE - 9/10VALUE - 9/10
8.8
PROS
Runs BOTH Surveillance Station + DSMAll the DVA Task for fraction of DVA3221 PriceSupports Local KVM Standalone Access8 Camera Licenses IncludedNo HDD Compatibility LimitsRun VERY QuietlyMASSIVE IP Camera Support ListEasily the \'BEST\' Synology 2-BaySurveillance Station 9.1 Is Still BRILLIANT
CONS
Cannot be Expanded6GB Default/Max Memory is WeirdCPU is a little oldNo M.2 NVMe SSD SupportOnly 2x AI Tasks at onceOnly 1x Network Port (no failover)
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0-16TB, 2-Bay m.2 NVMe 3×1, 2x ARM CPU (Cortex A76 and A55), 8GB LPDDR4X Memory, Internal 2200MAh Battery, 2.5GbE, HDMI 4K 60FPS, 2x SD Card Slots, 2x USB 3.2, 306gram
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $399 (Important, Crowdfunding Stages)
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review 25th Sept ’24:
The UnifyDrive UT2 Portable NAS offers a compact, portable storage solution designed for users who need on-the-go data management. Its features include a built-in battery, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI output, and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots, which together make it capable of handling media playback, file storage, and real-time collaboration. The UT2 also includes UDR selective RAID, one-touch SD card backups, and an AI-powered photo recognition system, all controlled through a user-friendly mobile app. These features position the UT2 as a versatile device for professionals such as photographers and content creators, who need portable, high-speed data storage and secure file management.
As a crowdfunded product, the UT2 is set to launch on Kickstarter, meaning there are some inherent risks associated with its development. While the hardware and software shown in the review appear polished and near completion, the final product may vary from the reviewed unit, and there is no guarantee of timely delivery or final quality. The early-bird price of $399 may appeal to those looking for a portable NAS, though the full retail price of $599 could place it in competition with larger, full-featured NAS systems. Potential backers should consider these factors when deciding whether to support the project.
You Can See the UnifyDrive UT2 over on Kickstarter to keep track of it’s development – HERE
BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
HARDWARE - 9/10PERFORMANCE - 8/10PRICE - 8/10VALUE - 8/10
8.6
PROS
Compact and Portable: Small, lightweight design makes it easy to carry, ideal for on-the-go professionals.Built-in Battery: The 2200mAh battery provides up to an hour of runtime without external power, offering flexibility in mobile environments.Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet: High-speed network options ensure fast file transfers and smooth data access.Dual M.2 NVMe SSD Slots: Supports up to two NVMe SSDs, offering high-speed storage options.HDMI Output: Enables media playback and control via remote, supporting up to 8K video for a versatile media experience.One-Touch Backup: Simple SD and CFe card backup with a single button, ideal for photographers and videographers.User-Friendly Mobile App: Intuitive control via iOS and Android, with detailed system monitoring and management features.UDR Selective RAID: Offers flexible RAID-like redundancy on a folder level, allowing selective data protection without using the full capacity.AI-Powered Photo Recognition: Includes facial and object recognition, enhancing media organization.Multiple Connectivity Options: USB, Ethernet, and wireless options provide flexibility for different use cases.
CONS
Heavily Dependent on Software Support: Long-term functionality and feature enhancements will rely on continuous software updates, which are not guaranteed.Crowdfunding Risks: As a crowdfunded product, there\\\'s uncertainty about delivery timelines and the final product quality.Non-Upgradable RAM: The 8GB of RAM is soldered, limiting future scalability as storage or performance needs grow.Price at Full Retail: At $599, it approaches the cost of larger, more powerful NAS systems, making it less competitive for budget-conscious buyers.
Important disclaimer!
The Unify UT2 is a new product that is currently being listed on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. As a solution, users can support it via crowdfunding. The UT2 is not a traditional over-the-counter retail purchase, so some discretion is advised when purchasing the device. If it sounds like something you could use, your support is highly encouraged! However, there is no guarantee that a product will be provided to all users who back a project, and although there have been numerous success stories of network-attached storage (NAS) solutions from brands such as YouGreen, ZimaCube, and LincPlus with their own crowdfunded solutions in 2024, there are also numerous examples of failed crowdfunded NAS solutions, such as the infamous Storaxa. So although this review is completely honest and neutral, do remember that it was conducted using a UT2 unit supplied by the brand prior to the start of the crowdfunding campaign, and therefore may not fully represent the final product that will/should be sent to backers when crowdfunding concludes on Kickstarter. Be aware of the risks of crowdfunding on any product you buy, not just this one!
Choosing the right data storage solution for your needs can be very intimidating and it’s never too late to ask for help. With options ranging from NAS to DAS, Thunderbolt to SAS and connecting everything up so you can access all your lovely data at the touch of a button can be a lot simpler than you think. If you want some tips, guidance or help with everything from compatibility to suitability of a solution for you, why not drop me a message below and I will get back to you as soon as possible with what you should go for, its suitability and the best place to get it. This service is designed without profit in mind and in order to help you with your data storage needs, so I will try to answer your questions as soon as possible. Just enter in a few details of your setup, storage requirements and (in the case of buying a new solution) your budget – then me and Eddie the Web guy can help you with your question. This is a completely free service, is NOT provided with profit in mind and is manned by two humans (no bots, no automated replies, etc). Assistance might take an extra day or two (the service gets a lot of visitors) but we do try to answer every message. If you want to support this service, you can find out how to donate HERE. Otherwise, you can still just message us for free advice anyway!
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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver
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For professionals moving from cloud storage to private servers, 4-Bay NAS devices have become the go-to choice in 2024. Offering large storage capacities of up to 24TB per drive and enhanced redundancy for data protection, these systems stand out for their reliable hardware and ample space. As NAS technology has advanced, the quality of 4-Bay NAS systems designed for prosumers and small businesses has improved significantly, all while maintaining competitive pricing. After years of reviewing NAS devices, it’s clear that 2024 is a particularly competitive year, with significant innovations shaping the market. Key developments include the integration of M.2 NVMe SSDs for both caching and primary storage, the widespread adoption of 2.5GbE networking, and the introduction of newer, more powerful processors to enhance internal bandwidth. NAS software has also seen continuous upgrades, making these systems more flexible and feature-rich. As we head into 2024, let’s explore the best 4-Bay NAS drives available.
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Best 4-Bay NAS of the Year
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As we move into 2025, the market offers a wide variety of 4-Bay NAS drives, but not all are created equal. Many budget options fall short in durability and performance compared to premium brands. When choosing a 4-Bay NAS, whether from my top picks or others, ensure it includes these essential features:
Ensure any 4-Bay NAS you consider has these features for the best experience in 2024. Now, let’s look at the top 4-Bay NAS drives to invest at the tail end of 2024.
0-96TB, 4-Bays, AMD V3000 CPU 4-Core/8-Thread, 16-64GB DDR5 ECC, 4xSATA, 4x Gen4 M.2 4×1, 2x 10GbE, 2x 5GbE, 2x USB4 USB-C, 3x USB 10G, 3 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $1299
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review OCT ’24:
The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 is a significant leap forward, showcasing enhanced hardware and connectivity tailored to high-performance storage needs. Built with an AMD Ryzen V3000 Embedded processor, this NAS balances power and efficiency for various data-intensive tasks. Its ECC DDR5 memory ensures data integrity, making it reliable for professional users handling large data volumes. Equipped with dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports alongside USB4, the Lockerstor Gen 3 achieves up to 30 Gbps in total network connectivity and offers PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe support, maximizing throughput across multiple high-speed connections. Real-world testing confirmed its capability to reach transfer speeds over 3 GB/s with combined network and USB4 connections. Performance tests on standard HDDs in RAID 5 mode over 10GbE averaged 500–600 MB/s, while NVMe drives in RAID 0 fully utilized dual 10GbE with around 2.5 GB/s speeds. When directly connected over USB4/Thunderbolt 4 for IP networking, it maintained stable speeds of 1.4–1.6 GB/s per USB4 link, a valuable setup for users in need of direct high-speed connections like video editors. With enhanced heat dissipation—thanks to a copper-finned heat pipe and airflow redesign—this NAS efficiently manages thermal output even with these high-performance components, ensuring a durable, high-speed performance setup in a compact form.
The Lockerstor Gen 3’s software, ADM 5, covers essential data management and security, though it lacks the advanced multimedia and AI features seen in competitors. Its lack of integrated graphics means transcoding support may be limited, but ADM 5 still enables smooth, secure file management, automatic backups, snapshots, and remote access. Asustor has improved default security settings, and ADM’s flexibility also allows for third-party OS installation, making it compatible with solutions like TrueNAS and Unraid for custom storage configurations. With network management features like Wake-on-LAN and Wake-on-WAN, and support for SMB Multichannel, the NAS provides robust options for deployments needing remote access and high-performance file sharing.
In terms of build quality, the Lockerstor Gen 3 combines a sturdy metal frame with low noise levels, even under heavy loads, and maintains efficient power consumption, peaking at 50 watts during active workloads—a notable feat given its power and compact size. The built-in LCD panel for direct monitoring and configuration adds convenience, and the unit’s comprehensive array of connections means it is equipped to handle multi-user, high-bandwidth environments. Overall, with a focus on performance, network flexibility, and reliable design, the Lockerstor Gen 3 is a standout choice for professionals who require scalable, high-speed storage without compromising on build quality or power efficiency.
High-Performance CPU: Equipped with the AMD Ryzen V3000 Embedded processor, delivering efficient, server-grade performance for demanding tasks.ECC DDR5 Memory: Includes 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity and reliability.Comprehensive Connectivity: Dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports, along with two USB4 ports, provide a combined bandwidth of up to 30 Gbps for versatile network setups.Advanced Data Protection: Offers RAID 5 and RAID 6 options for HDDs and NVMe drives, with hot-swappable capabilities and Btrfs support for snapshots.USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Over IP: Supports direct connection to Mac and Windows systems via USB4 for fast data transfers and point-to-point editing.Robust Build Quality: Sturdy metal chassis with minimal noise, even during heavy operations, and excellent heat dissipation with a copper heat pipe.ADM 5 Software: Reliable, secure OS with essential features like snapshots, remote access, and simplified setup; supports third-party OS installations.Efficient Power Consumption: Peaks at around 50W under heavy load, efficient for the system’s performance class.Front LCD Display: The configurable LCD panel allows direct monitoring and setup, a handy feature for easy system management.Excellent for Multi-User Environments: Multi-channel network support and high bandwidth make it ideal for collaborative, multi-client setups.
High Price Point: At around $1,299, it’s a premium option, potentially limiting appeal for home users and hobbyists.No Integrated Graphics: Lacks GPU support, limiting multimedia transcoding and high-end streaming capabilities.Software Limitations: ADM 5 is solid but doesn’t match the multimedia and AI features found in competitors like Synology and QNAP.M.2 NVMe Slots Limited to PCIe x1: Each NVMe slot is limited to x1 speed, slightly capping potential performance for SSDs.
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DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 AS6702T - 2 Bay NAS, Quad-Core 2.0 GHz CPU, 4X M.2 Amazon USA 11.97 OFF (WAS 448) [LINK] Asustor AS7110T Lockerstor Pro 10bay Nas Intel Perp Xeon 4c Cpu 8gb Ddr4 2 M.2 S Amazon USA 1070.62 OFF (WAS 3470) [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily
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0-96TB, 4-Bays, 2x PCIe Gen 3 M.2 NVMe 2280, Dual Core AMD Emb.Ryzen R1600 CPU, 4-32GB DDR4 ECC Memory, 2x 1Gbe Port, 10GbE Optional Upgrade Slot, 3-5yr Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $550+
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review Nov’22:
Synology has clearly made something of a gamble in the release of the Synology DS923+ NAS. There is no avoiding that making the switch from the Intel Celeron that has historically been the build choice of this product family and opting for the AMD Emb.Ryzen has ruffled some feathers! On the face of it, the R1600 here has a heck of alot of going for it over the previous generation! Higher clock speed, greater PCIe Gen 3 Support throughout, that 4-32GB of DDR4 memory in such a compact system and just generally giving you a lot more horsepower to play with, as well as better bandwidth potential inside and out! But at what cost? The 1GbE standard connectivity in the base model leaves alot to be desired, the proprietary 10Gb upgrade (though incredibly handy) limits the upgradability a tad and the lack of an integrated graphics processor is likely going to result in many long-term Synology advocates to skip this generation. Synology Diskstation Manager (DSM 7.1 at the time of writing) still continues to impress and although the brand still continues to heavily push their 1st party priorities, they have left a little more wriggle room in DSM 7.1 than DSM 7 before it in terms of media compatibility.
In terms of design, I cannot fault Synology on this as the DS923+ chassis still arrives as one of the best-looking and still exceptionally well-structured devices at this physical scale and storage level. As always, a Synology NAS is more about the software than the hardware (and the DS923+ delivers in spades on the software side!) and with DSM 7.2 around the corner improving things. Just always keep in mind that the Synology DS923+ NAS is a system that arrives with the slight emphasis on having to do many things ‘their way’. If you are less technically versed, then you will definitely appreciate this level of user-friendly design and assistance, but more technically minded admins’ main strain a pinch! In short, the DS923+ IS a good NAS drive, but its focus has certainly ebbed more towards the business user this generation than the home.
DSM 7/7.1 (and DSM7.2 Around the corner) still continues to be an absolute tour-de-force of NAS SoftwareThis latest generation expandable 4-Bay arriving with a 10G Upgrade Option is fantasticECC Memory Support and scalability to 32GB is completely unparallel at this price pointThe design of the DS923+ NAS still continues to be market-leadingThe New CPU architecture allows great PCIe3 bandwidth to be afforded to the rest of the hardware, inside and outLow Noise, Low Physical Impact and Intelligent Automatic Power Use Adjustment SettingsIncreased Support for macOS in Synology Drive and Active Backup Suite (DSM 7.2)Synology C2 Cloud Services, 1st Party Backup/Sync Tools and Collaboration Suite App = Complete 1st Party Eco-system that can rival Office365 and Google WorkspacePCIe Gen 3 M.2 NVMe SSD Support as Storage Pools!!! FINALLY!Tremendously User-Friendly!!!
The AMD Emb.Ryzen instead of a Intel Celeron (with Integrated Graphics) will be a dealbreaker for alot of usersThe default 1GbE ports that the system arrives with are tremendously datedThe USB ports on the system are older gen USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) and their support/usability have been quite pared back in recent DSM releasesThe continued moves by Synology to prioritize 1st party hardware and software services may put some users offPlex Support on the Synology DS923+ is still great for native playback, client-side handling and client devices with relevant multimedia licenses in place, but if server-side media conversions are needed - this system will struggle in comparison with the DS920+ before it
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DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? Synology DS923+ 4-Bay Diskstation NAS (AMD Ryzen  4 Threads R1600 Dual-Core 4G Amazon UK 763.47 OFF (WAS 2855) [LINK] Synology DS923+ 72TB 4 Bay Desktop NAS Solution, installed with 4 x 18TB HAT5300 Amazon UK 518.72 OFF (WAS 2730) [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily
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0-96TB, 4-Bays, 2x PCIe Gen 3×1 M.2 NVMe 2280, Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, 4-16GB Memory, 2x 2.5Gbe Port, 1x PCIe Gen 3×2 Slot, 1 HDMI 2.0 4K 6-FPS, 3-5yr Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $550
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review April ’22:
The TS-464 comfortably arrives with the best hardware in its tier of the NAS market and that is something that QNAP has always been quite good at. Even if you rewind just 5 years, the level of hardware scalability and ease of upgradability that the TS-464 provides is frankly incredible and, fast forward to 2022, is still pretty unmatched. A Desktop 4-Bay NAS (eg Prosumer RAID 5 storage) has always been the next confident step for users who are tired of their hands being tied by subscription cloud services from Google, OneDrive and DropBox, who are looking for their own competent, flexible and fully-featured private server. In the TS-464 NAS, you find a system that is unquestionable the best hardware for your money you can possibly get right now. In software, things are a little less straightforward. QTS 5, although massively software and service-rich, arrives as a complete operating system in your web browser with multiple mobile/desktop clients and hundreds of applications and apps that can be installed at the touch of a button – which can all too often be something of a steep learning curve for many.
Lacking the slightly chewable, user-friendly nature of many of their rivals, QNAP and its software/service still have a tendency to be a bit of an information overload that can quickly intimidate the novice. However, for those that are looking for a system that is completely customizable in how/when/where you want data presented to you, as well as a wide degree of 3rd party support, QNAP and QTS 5 still manages to provide a huge degree of brand-unique service that are simply not available elsewhere. Just be prepared to invest your time wisely in its setup and more time ensuring the system is perfect for your needs.
Very compact chassis design, despite large storage potentialA BIG jump in hardware and scale from the TS-453Be and TS-453D, but with a largely identical RRP at launchEasily one of the most hardware packed SMB/Mid-range 4-Bay on the marketUp to 16GB of Memory is fantasticm.2 NVMe SSD Bays AND a PCIe Upgrade Slot (no need to choose one upgrade path)8x Included Camera LicensesIncludes Anti-virus, Firewall Tool, VPN client tools, Malware Remover, network manager and Security Councilor Tool3 Different Container/VM tools that also feature image download centers10Gb/s (1,000MB/s) USB Ports will be incredibly usefulLarge range of expansion options in the TR/TL series in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 Bays
The PCIe Slot is PCIe 3×2 and the M.2 SSD Bays are PCIe 3×1 (likely limitations of all this H/W on a Celeron+chipsetQNAP Has had 3 ransomware hits in 2019-2021 (Qlocker, Qsnatch and Deadbolt). Lots of Security app/changes since, but people remember and QNAP needs to win back that trust in 2022/2023
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DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now?
QNAP TS-464 NAS $550 Amazon USA $550 (13% off) [LINK] EARLY DEAL - QNAP TS-464-8G-US Amazon USA $560 - 5% OFF [LINK] QNAP TS-464 (8GB) (BF) Amazon UK $469 (was $589) HERE [LINK] QNAP TS-464 NAS (BF) B&H USA $120 OFF – $471.20 (was $591.20) HERE [LINK] QNAP 4-Bay TS-464U-8G Storage - Intel Celeron N5095 2.9GHz (Quad-Core), 8GB DDR4 Amazon USA 8 OFF (WAS 1718) [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily
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0-96TB, 4-Bays, Intel i5-1235u 10 Core / 12 Thread, 8-64GB DDR5, 4x SATA, 2x Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe SSD, 2x 10GbE, 3x USB 10G A/C, 2 Year Warranty
Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $899
Hardware Review – LINK
YouTube Video Review – Watch
What I said in my review OCT ’24:
The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a standout NAS system in TerraMaster’s lineup, offering impressive hardware specifications and solid performance at a price point of $899.99. For users who need high-speed data transfers, intensive compute power, and flexibility in storage configurations, the F4-424 Max is an excellent option. The combination of the Intel i5-1235U CPU, dual 10GbE ports, and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe support ensures that the NAS can handle even the most demanding tasks, whether it’s virtualization, media transcoding, or large-scale backups.
That said, when compared to the F4-424 Pro, which is priced at $699.99, the Max model offers significantly more networking power and potential for speed. However, the Pro model still provides fantastic performance for most home and small office users, making it a more budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t require 10GbE or advanced NVMe functionality.
In terms of software, Synology DSM and QNAP QTS are still more evolved, offering richer multimedia experiences and better integration for business applications. However, TOS 6 continues to improve with every iteration, closing the gap between TerraMaster and these larger players. With new features like TRAID, cloud sync, and improved snapshot management, TOS is becoming more user-friendly and robust. For users prioritizing performance, flexibility, and future-proofing, the F4-424 Max is a strong contender and offers excellent value for money. While there are areas where TerraMaster could improve, such as the lack of PCIe expansion and front-facing USB ports, the F4-424 Max delivers on its promise of high performance and scalable storage solutions.
SOFTWARE - 6/10
HARDWARE - 9/10PERFORMANCE - 9/10PRICE - 9/10VALUE - 8/10
8.2
PROS
Powerful Hardware: Intel i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads for resource-heavy tasks.Dual 10GbE Ports: High-speed networking capabilities with link aggregation for up to 20Gbps, ideal for large file transfers.PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Support: Two M.2 NVMe slots offering exceptional performance for caching or additional high-speed storage.Efficient Cooling: The large 120mm fan ensures quiet and effective cooling, making it suitable for home and office environments.Improved TOS 6 Software: Enhancements in GUI, backup tools, and overall security bring TOS closer to its competitors.
CONS
Higher Price Tag: At $899.99, it’s more expensive than TerraMaster’s other models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.No PCIe Expansion: Lack of a PCIe slot limits potential for future upgrades, such as adding 10GbE cards or more M.2 drives.Presentation: The software has improved a lot, but still feels inconsistent in places compared with alternatives from brands such as Synology and QNAP.
Where to Buy a Product
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Where to Buy? Terramaster F4-424 Max ($899 Amazon) – HERETerramaster F4-424 Max ($799 Aliexpress) – HERE |
Choosing the right data storage solution for your needs can be very intimidating and it’s never too late to ask for help. With options ranging from NAS to DAS, Thunderbolt to SAS and connecting everything up so you can access all your lovely data at the touch of a button can be a lot simpler than you think. If you want some tips, guidance or help with everything from compatibility to suitability of a solution for you, why not drop me a message below and I will get back to you as soon as possible with what you should go for, its suitability and the best place to get it. This service is designed without profit in mind and in order to help you with your data storage needs, so I will try to answer your questions as soon as possible. Just enter in a few details of your setup, storage requirements and (in the case of buying a new solution) your budget – then me and Eddie the Web guy can help you with your question. This is a completely free service, is NOT provided with profit in mind and is manned by two humans (no bots, no automated replies, etc). Assistance might take an extra day or two (the service gets a lot of visitors) but we do try to answer every message. If you want to support this service, you can find out how to donate HERE. Otherwise, you can still just message us for free advice anyway!
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