Terramaster T9-500 Pro NAS Review
The Terramaster T9-500 Pro is the latest NAS solution from Terramaster, aimed at small to medium-sized businesses and content creators who need robust storage solutions. This 9-bay desktop NAS offers a variety of features including dual 10GbE ports, support for high-capacity SATA drives, and powerful performance through its Intel Core i7 processor. But with a price tag ranging from $1,400 to $1,500, it targets users who need significant storage, high-speed connectivity, and the ability to scale their storage needs over time.
As the NAS market becomes increasingly competitive, the T9-500 Pro stands out due to its balance of price, performance, and scalability. With its advanced hardware and software capabilities, it offers strong competition to other NAS devices in the same price range. It’s designed to handle demanding tasks, including virtualization, video production, and large-scale file management. But like any product, it comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the hardware specifications, pros, and cons of the Terramaster T9-500 Pro to help you decide whether this NAS is worth your investment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1255U, 10-Core (Max burst up to 4.7 GHz) |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5 (Upgradeable to 64GB DDR5) |
| Storage Bays | 9 x 3.5″ SATA HDD (Supports 2.5″ SATA HDD and SSD) |
| Maximum Storage | Up to 198TB (22TB x 9) |
| Network Ports | 2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Copper) |
| USB Ports | 3 x USB 3.2 (Type A) and 1 x USB 3.2 (Type C), all 10Gbps |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 (For SSD caching) |
| RAID Support | TRAID, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD |
| Operating System | TOS 6 (Terramaster’s NAS OS) |
| Cooling | 3 x 92mm Smart Fans |
| Power Consumption | 100W (Fully loaded), 31W (Hibernation) |
| Noise Level | 22.5 dB(A) (In standby with SSDs) |
| Dimensions | 334 x 135 x 295 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Terramaster T9-500 Pro NAS Review – Quick Conclusion
The Terramaster T9-500 Pro is a highly capable NAS that offers a lot of value for its price, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives on the market. Its combination of dual 10GbE ports, support for high-capacity storage, and a powerful Intel Core i7 processor makes it well-suited for demanding applications like virtualization, video production, and large-scale file management. Additionally, the flexible RAID configurations and expandable memory ensure that this NAS can scale with your business or creative needs. However, the system does have some limitations. The absence of USB4, high power consumption, and reliance on an older generation CPU may deter users looking for cutting-edge technology or more energy-efficient solutions. Furthermore, the maturity of Terramaster’s TOS 6 software, while improving, still falls short of the seamless experience offered by competitors like Synology and QNAP.
In terms of pricing, the T9-500 Pro offers a good balance between performance and cost, especially for users who need a 9-bay system with high-speed connectivity. But for those with more modest storage needs, the cheaper F4-424 Max might be a better fit. Ultimately, the T9-500 Pro is a strong choice for businesses or power users who need robust storage, but its value will depend on your specific performance and storage requirements. If your use case aligns with what this NAS has to offer, it can be an excellent investment. But if you’re looking for the latest technology or a lower power consumption system, you might want to explore other options.
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PROs of the Terramaster T9-500 Pro
The Terramaster T9-500 Pro comes packed with a variety of features that make it a versatile and high-performance NAS solution. For businesses and power users who need scalability and speed, this device offers a compelling set of advantages. Let’s dive into the major strengths of the T9-500 Pro.
1. High-Speed Connectivity and Ports
The Terramaster T9-500 Pro shines when it comes to connectivity. Equipped with dual 10GbE RJ-45 copper ports, it delivers up to 20Gbps of bandwidth, which is ideal for high-speed data transfers. Whether you’re a video editor or running a data-heavy enterprise, these ports provide incredible flexibility for handling large files and multimedia content. Additionally, the NAS is fitted with multiple USB 3.2 ports, both Type A and Type C, all offering 10Gbps speeds. This makes it easier to connect external storage devices or expansion chassis, giving users even more options for expanding their network.
In terms of expandability, the inclusion of two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe slots is a fantastic feature. These slots can be used for SSD caching, significantly improving the read/write performance of the entire storage system. For those working with large media files or running demanding virtualized environments, this adds a layer of performance that puts the T9-500 Pro in a league of its own.
2. Solid Build and Design
The T9-500 Pro’s design strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The compact form factor, along with the 9-bay configuration, gives it the versatility of a desktop unit, while maintaining the high capacity typically seen in rack-mounted systems. The chassis is well-built and feels durable, making it ideal for enterprise environments where ruggedness is a necessity. The hot-swappable drive bays make accessing and maintaining your storage drives effortless.
Another impressive design feature is the smart cooling system. With three 92mm fans mounted on the rear, the NAS keeps noise levels low, even when fully loaded with drives. This makes it a practical choice for both office and home setups, as it won’t contribute to unwanted background noise. In fact, its noise level, which hovers around 22.5 dB(A) in standby mode, is quite impressive for a device of this caliber.
3. Strong Processing Power
At the heart of the T9-500 Pro is the Intel Core i7-1255U processor. With 10 cores (2 performance and 8 efficiency cores), this 12th generation processor can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it suitable for everything from file storage to video editing and even virtualization. The CPU’s ability to deliver strong performance without bottlenecking makes it ideal for those who need to get the most out of their hardware.
The processor also includes Intel Iris Xe Graphics, enabling hardware-accelerated transcoding for H.264, H.265, and other video formats. This means users can stream and convert video content at 4K resolution without experiencing significant performance drops, which is particularly useful for multimedia production and live streaming environments.
4. Flexible Storage and RAID Options
The T9-500 Pro offers an impressive array of storage options. With support for up to 198TB of raw storage, the NAS can handle large-scale data needs, making it suitable for enterprises, creative professionals, or those dealing with massive data sets. The inclusion of multiple RAID levels, including TerraMaster’s own TRAID system, allows for flexibility in how users configure their storage. Whether you’re looking for maximum redundancy, speed, or a balance of both, the T9-500 Pro has you covered.
Additionally, the flexible storage configuration extends to the ability to create multiple volumes, which is perfect for businesses needing to separate workspaces or departments. This versatility ensures that the NAS can grow alongside your storage needs, whether you’re working with media, databases, or virtual machines.
5. Cost-Effective for Its Class
At around $1,400 to $1,500 ($1599 on amazon, but $1499 on the official Terramaster site), the Terramaster T9-500 Pro might seem expensive at first glance, but when you compare it to similar offerings in the market, it provides excellent value for money. Comparable NAS systems with 10GbE connectivity, advanced processors, and 9-bay configurations can cost significantly more, often reaching over $2,000. The T9-500 Pro delivers a solid balance of high-end performance, expandability, and ease of use without the premium price tag associated with other brands like Synology or QNAP.
The cost is further justified by the fact that this NAS is future-proof, with the ability to upgrade memory, add more storage, and connect external devices. For SMBs or content creators who need reliable, high-performance storage without breaking the bank, this is an excellent option.
CONs of the Terramaster T9-500 Pro
While the Terramaster T9-500 Pro offers many attractive features, it’s not without its flaws. From power consumption to the absence of certain modern technologies, the T9-500 Pro may not be the perfect fit for every user. Let’s explore some of the limitations that may affect your decision.
1. Lack of USB4 Support
While the T9-500 Pro does offer multiple USB 3.2 ports, the absence of USB4 is a noticeable downside. USB4 provides significantly higher bandwidth, offering up to 40Gbps, which would have been a major asset for those dealing with large media files or wanting to connect even faster external devices. The inclusion of USB4 would also have allowed for Thunderbolt connectivity, further enhancing the flexibility of the system for creative professionals.
In an era where high-speed data transfer is increasingly important, especially in media production and virtualization, the lack of USB4 limits the future scalability of this NAS. For users looking for cutting-edge technology, this could be a deciding factor in opting for a different NAS with more advanced port options.
2. High Power Consumption
One of the more significant downsides of the T9-500 Pro is its relatively high power consumption. Even when in idle mode with only a few drives installed, the system draws around 61-63 watts. When all bays are populated, and the system is under load, power consumption can easily reach 100 watts or more. This could result in higher operating costs, especially for users who plan to run the NAS 24/7.
Given that this NAS is designed for high-performance environments, this level of power consumption is not entirely unexpected. However, compared to other NAS systems in its class, the T9-500 Pro could have benefited from better power efficiency, particularly during idle or low-usage periods.
3. Older CPU Technology
Although the Intel i7-1255U is a capable processor, it’s not the latest generation. As newer CPUs with more cores and better power efficiency hit the market, the T9-500 Pro’s processor starts to feel slightly outdated. In particular, Intel’s 13th generation processors offer superior performance at similar power levels, which would have been a better fit for a NAS system launched in 2024. For users who prioritize raw power and future-proofing their investment, the choice of an older CPU could be seen as a drawback. Competing NAS systems with newer processors may offer better performance for those who need the absolute best from their hardware.
That said, there are some reported issues around some Intel 13th and even 14th Gen CPUs in 2024… see below:
4. Software Maturity Issues
While Terramaster’s TOS 6 operating system has come a long way in recent years, it still doesn’t quite match up to the polished experience offered by Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS. TOS 6 has some great features, like snapshot support and remote access, but it can feel a little clunky and inconsistent at times. This might not be an issue for tech-savvy users, but for those looking for a seamless, out-of-the-box experience, the software could feel lacking.
Additionally, Terramaster has a history of being targeted by ransomware attacks, which may make some users hesitant. Although the company has made significant strides in improving security, including introducing features like read-only snapshots, the memory of previous vulnerabilities may linger for cautious buyers.
5. Competition from Cheaper Models
While the T9-500 Pro offers impressive specs, Terramaster’s own F4-424 Max presents strong competition at nearly half the price. The F4-424 Max comes with similar features, including dual 10GbE ports, USB 10Gbps support, and M.2 NVMe slots, but in a 4-bay configuration. For users who don’t need the full 9 bays of storage, the F4-424 Max could be a much more cost-effective solution.
For those on a budget, the T9-500 Pro may seem like overkill, especially when Terramaster itself offers more affordable alternatives that still deliver great performance. See the review of the $799-899 Terramaster F4-424 Max NAS HERE on YouTube and HERE on NASCompares.
Terramaster T9-500 Pro NAS Review – Verdict
The Terramaster T9-500 Pro is a highly capable NAS that offers a lot of value for its price, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives on the market. Its combination of dual 10GbE ports, support for high-capacity storage, and a powerful Intel Core i7 processor makes it well-suited for demanding applications like virtualization, video production, and large-scale file management. Additionally, the flexible RAID configurations and expandable memory ensure that this NAS can scale with your business or creative needs.
However, the system does have some limitations. The absence of USB4, high power consumption, and reliance on an older generation CPU may deter users looking for cutting-edge technology or more energy-efficient solutions. Furthermore, the maturity of Terramaster’s TOS 6 software, while improving, still falls short of the seamless experience offered by competitors like Synology and QNAP.
In terms of pricing, the T9-500 Pro offers a good balance between performance and cost, especially for users who need a 9-bay system with high-speed connectivity. But for those with more modest storage needs, the cheaper F4-424 Max might be a better fit. Ultimately, the T9-500 Pro is a strong choice for businesses or power users who need robust storage, but its value will depend on your specific performance and storage requirements.
If your use case aligns with what this NAS has to offer, it can be an excellent investment. But if you’re looking for the latest technology or a lower power consumption system, you might want to explore other options.
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