### TerraMaster F4-424 Max Review: A High-Performance 4-Bay NAS for Power Users
The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) packed with features, designed for enthusiasts and professionals in need of powerful hardware, strong connectivity, and flexible software capabilities. Featuring dual 10GbE ports, an Intel Core i5 processor, and compatibility with Plex and Docker, this NAS distinguishes itself as a premium choice in its segment. Nevertheless, its elevated price and software idiosyncrasies may give prospective buyers pause. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what the F4-424 Max delivers.
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### **Key Features and Specifications**
The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is engineered for superior performance, and its specifications reflect this goal:
| **Category** | **Details** |
|————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| **CPU** | Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core, 4.4GHz) |
| **Memory** | 8GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB) |
| **Drive Bays** | 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ HDD/SSD bays, 2 x M.2 NVMe Gen 4 slots |
| **Network Ports** | 2 x 10GbE Ethernet |
| **USB Ports** | 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 |
| **Cooling** | 1 x 120mm fan, 21dBA noise level |
| **File Systems** | EXT4, Btrfs |
| **Plex Transcoding** | Up to 8K supported |
| **Dimensions** | 154 x 179 x 222 mm |
The F4-424 Max retails for $899, reflecting its advanced hardware and connectivity features. For those exploring alternatives, TerraMaster also presents the F4-424 ($499) and F4-424 Pro ($649) with different specifications.
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### **Design and Build Quality**
TerraMaster has refreshed its design approach with the F4-424 Max, showcasing a sleek black chassis with enhanced ventilation. The side panels have perforations for improved airflow, and a 120mm fan at the rear guarantees effective cooling without excessive noise. The compact design allows it to integrate smoothly into any work environment, thanks to its minimalist look.
The drive bays now feature a tool-free installation system, simplifying the process of adding or swapping 3.5-inch HDDs. However, the positioning of all ports and the power button at the back may be inconvenient for users who often connect external drives.
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### **Connectivity and Ports**
A highlight of the F4-424 Max is its dual 10GbE Ethernet ports, offering up to 20Gbps of usable bandwidth. This makes it perfect for users engaged in demanding tasks, such as video editing or large-scale data backups. The NAS also provides three USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (two USB-A and one USB-C), each capable of 10Gbps speeds.
With the addition of two M.2 NVMe slots, users gain more flexibility for SSD caching or extra high-speed storage. However, the absence of a front-facing USB port could pose a minor inconvenience for some users.
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### **Performance and Real-World Testing**
Powered by Intel’s 10-core Alder Lake Core i5-1235U processor and integrated Iris Xe graphics, the F4-424 Max delivers outstanding performance. It excels at tasks such as operating virtual machines, managing Docker containers, and functioning as a Plex media server. Support for hardware transcoding allows for smooth playback of both 4K and even 8K content.
During testing, the NAS consistently maximized the bandwidth of connected drives, especially when utilized with high-performance M.2 SSDs like the WD SN850X. File transfers were seamless, and the system managed multiple concurrent tasks without noticeable lag.
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### **Software: TOS 6**
The F4-424 Max operates on TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, which has undergone significant enhancements in usability and features. It includes native applications for media streaming, data backup, and virtual machine management, along with support for Docker containers.
Nonetheless, the software still requires refinement. Occasional bugs and less refined mobile applications detract from the overall user experience. For users preferring alternative software, the NAS supports third-party operating systems like TrueNAS Scale, providing additional versatility.
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### **Pros and Cons**
#### **Pros:**
– **Dual 10GbE Connectivity:** Perfect for rapid data transfers and demanding tasks.
– **Powerful Hardware:** Features Intel Core i5 processor and expandable DDR5 memory.
– **Versatile Storage
