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TerraMaster has made significant strides recently, particularly in developing high-end NAS solutions after traditionally focusing on budget models. The most recent addition to their lineup is the F4-424 Max, a 4-bay NAS that boasts impressive hardware specifications, including dual 10GbE ports and a robust Intel Core i5 1235U processor.
Designed to enhance performance, the F4-424 Max offers 8GB of upgradable RAM, along with four drive bays and two M.2 slots for additional storage options. This combination is particularly beneficial for users looking to create a high-performance Plex server, as it promises superior multimedia handling capabilities. After extensive testing over two months, I found it to be a noteworthy competitor in the 4-bay NAS market, surpassing other models like the DiskStation DS923+.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Pricing and availability
Launched in the fourth quarter of 2024, the F4-424 Max is now widely available, retailing for $899 on platforms like Amazon. If dual 10GbE connectivity isn’t a requirement, an alternative option, the standard F4-424, offers dual 2.5GbE ports for $499. This model features an Intel N95 processor and mirrors the overall design of its higher-end counterpart.
Additionally, there’s an F4-424 Pro variant available at $649, which upgrades the processor to a Core i3-N305 and includes 16GB of RAM, also featuring dual 2.5GbE capabilities.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Design
The F4-424 Max departs from TerraMaster’s previous aluminum enclosure designs, opting for a more understated black chassis that promotes better thermal efficiency. Notable design elements include ventilated sides, which improve airflow, allowing the device to maintain optimal operating temperatures without becoming visually obtrusive.
Furthermore, the NAS is now equipped with a quiet 120mm rear fan that keeps the drives cool during intense operations, and a user-friendly push-to-latch mechanism simplifies drive installation. The front panel is intentionally minimalistic, with all status indicators and connectivity ports positioned at the rear, providing a clean aesthetic.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Ports and connectivity
The F4-424 Max stands out with its dual 10GbE ports that enable high-speed data transfer — a crucial feature that sets it apart from competitors like the DS923+. Additional connectivity options include two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, all supporting 10Gbps data rates. While it would have been convenient to have a front-facing USB-C port, the overall selection is strong.
The NAS comes pre-installed with 8GB of DDR5 non-ECC RAM, but can be expanded to 64GB for users needing more processing power. The dual M.2 Gen 4 slots are also readily accessible, enabling easy upgrades and enhancements in storage capacity.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Real-world testing
Equipped with Intel’s powerful 10-core Alder Lake Core i5 processor and integrated Iris Xe graphics, the F4-424 Max excels in real-world applications. It performs exceptionally well across various tasks, such as running virtual machines and managing intensive Plex libraries, including smooth 4K transcoding.
File transfers were equally efficient, consistently maximizing the performance of installed IronWolf HDDs. To fully leverage the 10GbE speed, M.2 drives such as the WD SN850X would be ideal choices.
The enhancements in TOS 6 software provide a more user-friendly interface, improving on legacy versions. However, some bugs remain, and mobile client applications lack functionality compared to those offered by competitors. Nevertheless, users dissatisfied with TOS can opt to install TrueNAS, adding more flexibility to the NAS experience.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: The alternatives
Despite being released two years ago, the DiskStation DS923+ still presents a viable alternative. While it lacks the cutting-edge hardware features of newer models, its strong software capabilities and solid mobile applications make it a reliable choice for users focused on multimedia performance.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if:
– You are in need of a high-performance 4-bay server.
– You require 10GbE connectivity as a standard feature.
– You want a system with longevity in hardware capability.
You shouldn’t buy this if:
– You prefer the most polished software experience available.
– You are looking for the best budget-friendly options.
In summary, the F4-424 Max excels in hardware specifications, particularly with its dual 10GbE ports and Intel Core processor, making it an exceptional choice for a Plex NAS. While the TOS 6 software represents a progression, it still has room for improvement. Users also have the advantage of installing TrueNAS if they desire alternatives. Overall, the F4-424 Max may not retain the same cost-effectiveness as its predecessors, but its advancements make it a compelling option.
The F4-424 Max offers exceptional hardware and is a worthwhile investment for your NAS needs.
Source
www.androidcentral.com