The TerraMaster NAS family of products is expanding and today, October 31, 2024, I’m very proud to review the new F4-424 Max NAS. This powerful NAS embraces an Intel Core i5-1235U processor and comes with an 8GB preinstalled memory that can be upgraded to 64GB of RAM. This NAS model integrates the new TOS 6 operating system that is based on the latest Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS It should be noted that Linux Kernel 6.1 is a Super-Long-Term-Support version, not just LTS. TerraMaster’s goal is to become a leader in NAS distribution, covering both home users as well as large-scale Business and Enterprise distribution.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max
The new TerraMaster F4-424 Max has landed at the mariushosting residence at the beginning of October 2024 together with the F8 SSD plus NAS. The new F4-424 Max sitting in this small, black box is a powerful, 4-bay piece of hardware.
Inside the TerraMaster F4-424 Max Box
What did I find when I opened the package? Obviously, the NAS sitting in its protective black Styrofoam encasing, adjacent to a smaller box with the AC Power Cord and Power Adapter, a few SSD and HDD screws as well as a 1-meter long LAN cable and a user manual. You’ll notice the package contents are carefully arranged, with a focus on product presentation, while the user manual covers all the necessary instructions.
F4-424 Max Package Contents
- F4-424 Max NAS (x1)
- Power Cord (x1)
- Power Adapter (x1)
- RJ-45 CAT 6 network cable (x1)
- Quick Installation Guide (x1)
- Limited Warranty Note (x1)
- Screws (a few)
TerraMaster F4-424 at a Glance!
- Intel Core i5-1235U 12-thread processor with a turbo frequency up to 4.4GHz with 10 total cores. It features an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphic GPU (up to 1.2GHz).
- This powerhouse is further enhanced by 8GB of lightning-fast DDR5 4800MHz memory and a 10Gbps 2x Ethernet ports to unlock a world of high-performance network connectivity. Its bespoke design is perfect for medium business users seeking to address virtualization and database demands while simultaneously functioning as the perfect multimedia server for domestic users.
F4-424 Instant Drive Access
The TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS enclosure boasts user-friendly features such as tool-free hard disk trays, a Push-Lock design for quick drive installation, and an easy-to-use sliding side cover for M.2 SSDs.
Lateral View
Below is a lateral view of the F4-424 Max where you can see the TERRAMASTER logo.
20Gb Lightning-Fast Throughput
The new TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS enclosure is equipped with dual 10GbE Ethernet ports, providing up to 20Gbps bandwidth for fast data transfer. Paired with SMB multichannel technology, it delivers impressive real-world speeds – linear writes up to 2090MB/s and 4K random read/write speeds up to 400MB/s. This exceptional performance makes it ideal for smooth handling of image and video workflows, catering to industries like film production, post-production, and design. It also excels in read/write performance for virtualization and database applications.
Ventilated On The Bottom
The NAS itself is quite robust and has a ventilated grill underneath for heat dissipation.
How to Access the M.2 NVMe SSD Slots
Using a screwdriver, remove the 2 screws to access the M.2 drive slots and RAM.
F4-424 Next-Level Performance and Data Throughput
Equipped with Core i5 1235U processor and 8GB DDR5 memory, the F4-424 Max NAS outperforms the F4-424 Pro with improved processing and graphical capabilities. Two 10GbE Ethernet ports offer up to 2090MB/s linear write speeds, with 4K random read/write speeds of up to 400MB/s, making it ideal for film production, virtualization, and database applications. Hyper caching with dual M.2 NVMe slots further enhances storage efficiency, while its versatile RAID support and TRAID/TRAID+ functionality allow for easy capacity expansion and data protection.
HDDs Inserted and Ready for Testing
I added four HDDs to start my first tests of this wonderful NAS device.
Close The Bays
After I inserted the 4 HDDs, everything was up and running in a couple of minutes. To set up the TerraMaster F4-424 Max, connect the LAN cable, plug it in, then click the Power ON button at the back.
Initializing The Device
Next, open your favorite browser and access the following address below to start the TOS 6 Operating System installation process. Once the device is found, click Connect. Initializing the device will only take a few seconds. Follow the easy step by step instructions to set up your NAS in a couple of minutes.
F4-424 Max Powerful Multimedia Streaming
With 4K video decoding and uPnP/DLNA support, the F4-424 Max media server ensures smooth video streaming to any device. Compatible with TerraMasterās Multimedia Server or third-party platforms like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin, it delivers flawless playback on PCs, smartphones, media players, and TVs for an immersive viewing experience.
F4-424 Max TOS 6 Operating System
The TOS 6 operating system introduces over 40 new features, including enhanced security with PAM authentication, AES 256 encryption, and the SPC module to safeguard against unauthorized programs and ransomware. Additionally, TOS 6 allows for seamless direct drive mounting, enabling you to insert hard drives used in other systems, like a Windows PC or external enclosures, into any SATA slot of the NAS. The system instantly recognizes the driveās partitions and data, making everything accessible through the “File Manager” without reformatting or complex setup.
F4-424 Max Advanced Data Protection and Virtualization Capabilities
TerraMaster prioritizes digital asset security with its comprehensive Business Backup Suite (BBS), featuring TerraSync for seamless file synchronization, CloudSync for linking NAS with cloud platforms, and Centralized Backup for managing backup tasks from a single interface. Snapshot and Duple Backup offer robust protection against data loss and ransomware. For virtualization, tools like Docker Manager and VirtualBox create an efficient virtual environment, simplifying project launches and streamlining workflows. Via its enhanced TOS 6 operating system, TerraMaster provides its users with a range of powerful tools for backup.
This post was updated on Thursday / October 31st, 2024 at 3:00 AM