Terramaster F4-424 Max NAS Review

TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – LET’S GET SERIOUS?

Update – The Terramaster F4-424 Max NAS is NOW Available HERE on Amazon for $799

As TerraMaster continues to push the boundaries of affordable yet high-performance NAS devices, the F4-424 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 $899.99, the F4-424 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 F4-424 Max is aimed at users who require not just storage but also serious compute power.

Before diving into the detailed review of the F4-424 Max, it’s essential to understand how this model compares to its siblings, the 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 F4-424, F4-424 Pro, and F4-424 Max.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-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 F4-424 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 $899.99, the F4-424 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 - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 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? Terramaster F4-424 Max ($899 Amazon) – HERETerramaster F4-424 Max ($799 Aliexpress) – HERE

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Comparing F4-424, F4-424 Pro, and F4-424 Max

When deciding between the F4-424, F4-424 Pro, and F4-424 Max, the choice largely comes down to your performance needs and budget. Each model is designed with different use cases in mind, but they share several core features, such as 4-bay support for 3.5” SATA HDDs and 2.5” SSDs, TerraMaster’s TOS operating system, and support for various RAID configurations. However, the differences in processor, memory capacity, networking, and price are what really set them apart.

Model	F4-424	F4-424 Pro	F4-424 Max
Price	$499.99	$699.99	$899.99
CPU	Intel® N95 (4 cores, 4 threads, 3.4 GHz)	Intel i3-N305 (8 cores, 3.8 GHz)	Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads, 4.4 GHz)
Memory	8GB DDR5 (up to 32GB)	32GB DDR5	8GB DDR5 (up to 64GB)
Networking	2x 2.5GbE ports	2x 2.5GbE ports	2x 10GbE ports
M.2 NVMe Slots	2x PCIe Gen 3 slots	2x PCIe Gen 3 slots	2x PCIe Gen 4 slots
Drive Bays	4 (hot-swappable)	4 (hot-swappable)	4 (hot-swappable)
USB Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2	3x USB 3.2 Gen 2
HDMI Port	1x HDMI 2.1	1x HDMI 2.1	1x HDMI 2.0
Maximum Storage	88TB (22TB x 4 drives)	88TB	88TB

The F4-424 is the most affordable of the three, featuring a modest Intel N95 CPU and 8GB of DDR5 RAM. It’s suitable for basic NAS tasks like file storage, backups, and light media streaming. The F4-424 Pro is a step up, with a more powerful Intel i3-N305 processor and 32GB of DDR5 memory, making it better suited for heavier tasks like Plex streaming and AI-driven applications. However, if you require more performance for virtualization, media editing, or 10GbE networking, the F4-424 Max is the clear choice, offering superior compute power and networking capabilities. The dual PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe slots also give the Max model a significant speed advantage over its predecessors.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Hardware TL;DR

The F4-424 Max is equipped with some of the most powerful hardware seen in a 4-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	4x 3.5”/2.5” SATA (hot-swappable, up to 88TB 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 F4-424 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 F4-424 Max perfect for video editing teams, large backups, or any environment requiring high-speed network transfers.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Chassis Design

The F4-424 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 large 120mm fan 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 fan operates 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.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The F4-424 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 F4-424 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.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Internal Hardware and PCIe Lanes

Opening up the F4-424 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 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 F4-424 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 F4-424 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.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – TOS Software

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 F4-424 Max, TerraMaster’s native multimedia tools are not as polished, making it less appealing for users who rely heavily on NAS-based multimedia management.

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS Review – Conclusion and Verdict

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.

PROS	CONS
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.	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.

Click the link below to take you to your local Amazon store and where to buy the terramaster F4-424 Max NAS.

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