Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS – SHOULD YOU BUY?

The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus – Should You Buy?

The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus is one of the most compact yet powerful NAS solutions available in 2024. With its 8-bay, all-SSD configuration and small form factor, it stands out in a crowded market for small businesses and tech enthusiasts looking for high-performance storage. It promises to deliver fast speeds, silent operation, and a robust RAID system that offers flexibility for future upgrades. But is it the right NAS for you? Designed with both professional and domestic users in mind, the F8 SSD Plus supports demanding tasks like virtualization, database management, and media streaming while maintaining an impressively small footprint. With TerraMaster’s latest operating system (TOS 6), this NAS not only aims to be powerful but user-friendly, offering a versatile range of features suitable for different use cases. Let’s break down what I love and what I hate about the F8 SSD PLUS NAS.

Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

You really have to give Terramaster credit for the F8 SSD Plus, as it stands out impressively among the many brands entering the dedicated flash SSD storage market recently. Despite its compact size, it offers more storage than most competitors, though long-term users may be concerned about heat management. Terramaster has addressed this with effective heatsink placement, angled airflow, and necessary SSD performance adjustments to control temperature. While not perfect and lacking some high-end business features like ECC memory and network failover, it suits prosumers, enthusiasts, and small to medium businesses. Content creators, photographers, videographers, and those managing fast-moving databases will benefit from this system, despite the absence of some enterprise-level hardware. The TOS 6 software has improved significantly, offering a wide array of features such as flexible RAID, BTRFS support, multi-tiered backup, and more. Though the “Windows 11” aesthetic might not appeal to everyone, and there is a notable absence of ZFS, the ability to install third-party OS options like UnRAID and TrueNAS adds versatility. The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus is a capable, affordable, and impressive NAS solution, holding its own in a competitive market for 2024/2025, even if it doesn’t match the software flair of Synology or the aggressive hardware approach of QNAP.

SOFTWARE - 8/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 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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DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? TERRAMASTER F8 SSD PLUS Amazon USA $499.99 ($100 off) [LINK]

Why You Should Consider the F8 SSD Plus

The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus shines in many areas, offering a powerful and compact solution for those in need of fast, reliable NAS storage. With its cutting-edge hardware, flexible RAID options, and user-friendly software, it stands out as an excellent choice for both small businesses and tech-savvy individuals. Let’s explore the key strengths that make this NAS a solid investment for your storage needs.

Compact and High-Capacity Design

The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus stands out for its compact design and massive storage capacity. Despite its small size—comparable to a paperback book—it houses eight M.2 NVMe SSD slots that can hold up to 64TB of storage. This makes it a highly efficient choice for users who need substantial storage but don’t have much physical space to spare. Whether you’re a small business managing large databases or a media professional working with high-resolution video files, the F8 SSD Plus delivers excellent performance in a small, space-saving package.

Moreover, its all-SSD architecture means that this NAS is not only faster than its HDD-based counterparts but also operates much more quietly. This is a key advantage for users who need their NAS to function in environments where noise can be a distraction, such as offices or home studios. By using solid-state drives exclusively, the F8 SSD Plus significantly reduces noise, heat, and power consumption compared to traditional NAS systems. This makes it perfect for users looking for a compact yet high-performance storage solution without the drawbacks of mechanical hard drives.

High-Speed Performance with Intel i3

Another key feature of the F8 SSD Plus is its high-speed performance, thanks to its Intel Core i3 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. The 8-core CPU provides plenty of processing power for high-demand tasks like virtualization, database management, and multimedia editing. Whether you’re running multiple virtual machines or editing 4K video, this NAS can handle it. Paired with a 10GbE Ethernet port, it ensures rapid data transfer, giving users quick access to their files and resources across the network.

This robust processing power makes the F8 SSD Plus especially suited for small businesses that require reliable, fast data processing without investing in bulky or expensive rack-mounted servers. It’s also a great fit for media professionals who need to work with large video files and require fast, seamless read/write capabilities. The Intel i3 CPU provides enough speed and power to keep everything running smoothly, while the 10GbE port ensures that file transfers happen at optimal speeds.

Flexible RAID Options with TRAID

A major selling point of the F8 SSD Plus is its flexible RAID options, particularly TerraMaster’s TRAID technology. Unlike traditional RAID configurations that lock you into specific drive sizes and capacities, TRAID allows you to mix and match SSDs over time, upgrading as your storage needs grow without losing data. This is an excellent feature for future-proofing your NAS, as SSD prices continue to drop and larger capacities become more affordable.

This flexibility makes the F8 SSD Plus an attractive option for users who want to start with smaller, more affordable drives and upgrade as needed. Instead of being locked into a particular drive configuration, users can easily swap in larger SSDs down the line, taking advantage of price drops and newer technology. For businesses and power users who need their NAS to evolve with their storage requirements, the F8 SSD Plus offers a smart, scalable solution.

User-Friendly TOS 6 Software

The user-friendly software bundled with the F8 SSD Plus is another reason to consider this NAS. TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system offers an intuitive and feature-rich user experience. It includes support for virtualization, Docker containers, snapshots, and comprehensive backup solutions, making it a versatile platform for both business and personal use. Whether you’re managing data backups or running a multimedia server, TOS 6 provides a modern, responsive interface to streamline your workflow.

Additionally, the F8 SSD Plus allows for third-party OS installations like TrueNAS and Unraid, offering flexibility for users who prefer different software environments. This feature ensures that tech-savvy users can customize their NAS experience to fit specific needs, without compromising on performance or reliability. With TOS 6 or an alternative OS, the F8 SSD Plus adapts to a variety of use cases, from virtualized environments to high-speed data backup.

Keep in mind however, that the TOS NAS software is still no rival for well established NAS software platforms such as Synology DSM, QNAP QuTS, TrueNAS and UnRAID.

Considerations Before Buying

While the Terramaster F8 SSD Plus boasts a range of impressive features, it’s important to consider some potential limitations before making a decision. Like any NAS system, the F8 SSD Plus has areas where it might not fully meet the needs of every user. Whether it’s performance constraints, memory concerns, or certain design choices, these factors could influence whether this NAS is the right fit for you. Let’s take a closer look at the key drawbacks you should be aware of.

Limited Gen 3 SSD Speeds

Despite its strengths, the Terramaster F8 SSD Plus does have some limitations, particularly in terms of SSD speed. The M.2 slots in this NAS only support Gen 3 x1 speeds, which caps each SSD’s performance at around 1,000MB/s. While this might be sufficient for many users, it can be a bottleneck for those who need to fully leverage high-performance SSDs. If you’re planning to use top-tier Gen 3 or Gen 4 SSDs, you might not be able to utilize their full potential with this NAS.

This limitation could be a concern for media professionals or businesses that require extremely fast read/write speeds for tasks like video editing or high-demand database applications. Even though the overall performance is solid, the restricted SSD speed might hold back users who need every ounce of performance from their storage. For those users, it’s worth considering whether the speed trade-off is justified by the NAS’s other strengths, like compactness and flexibility.

No ECC Memory

Another potential drawback is the lack of ECC memory. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory is often preferred in data-critical environments because it helps prevent data corruption by detecting and correcting errors in real-time. The F8 SSD Plus does not feature ECC memory, which might be a dealbreaker for users handling sensitive or mission-critical data. For businesses that prioritize data integrity, especially in virtualization and database scenarios, this omission could be a significant downside.

While the system’s 16GB of DDR5 RAM is fast and capable, some users may feel that ECC memory is essential for ensuring data stability. Particularly at this price point, the absence of ECC memory might be seen as a missed opportunity for TerraMaster to appeal to enterprise users who demand the highest level of data security. If data accuracy is a top priority for your workflow, it’s worth weighing this factor carefully.

Single 10GbE Port

Another consideration is the single 10GbE port. While the inclusion of 10GbE is a huge advantage for networking speed, the fact that the F8 SSD Plus only has one port might limit its networking potential for more advanced users. For most users, a single 10GbE port will be sufficient, but for those needing to handle multiple high-speed connections or larger-scale environments, this could be a bottleneck.

Note, USB to 5GbE and 2.5GbE adapters CAN be used, for as little as $30

The potential bottleneck becomes more noticeable when handling very large data sets or multiple users accessing the system simultaneously. In a multi-user environment, the single 10GbE port might not provide enough throughput to fully take advantage of the NAS’s speed and SSD performance. If your usage requires extensive network bandwidth, this is something to keep in mind before deciding.

Mid-Tier CPU

Finally, the Intel i3 CPU, while strong, may not be powerful enough for users with the highest processing demands. In 2024, there are NAS systems available with even more powerful processors, such as Intel’s i5 or AMD Ryzen models, which offer superior performance for heavy workloads like 4K video editing, large-scale virtualization, or enterprise-level tasks.

Although the i3 CPU delivers solid performance for small businesses and multimedia tasks, users with more intensive needs might find it limiting. The lack of extra power lanes for the SSDs and network could restrict performance in high-demand environments, making this NAS a less appealing option for enterprise use. If raw processing power is your priority, it’s worth considering whether a higher-tier CPU would be a better fit for your needs.

Verdict – Is the Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS NAS Any Good?

The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus offers a compelling combination of compact design, high performance, and flexible storage options, making it a strong contender in the 8-bay NAS market for 2024. It excels in environments where space and noise are a concern, delivering excellent performance for small businesses, media professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike. With features like flexible TRAID technology and a powerful Intel Core i3 processor, it’s a great option for users who need fast, scalable storage.

However, potential buyers should consider the limitations, such as the restricted SSD speeds and the lack of ECC memory, especially if they require the highest levels of performance and data protection. For most users, the F8 SSD Plus strikes a great balance between power and practicality, but those with more demanding needs may want to explore other options. In summary, if you’re looking for a compact, high-performance NAS that can grow with your storage needs, the F8 SSD Plus is definitely worth considering.

PROs of the F8 SSD PLUS NAS	CONs of the F8 SSD PLUS NAS
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.	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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