While TerraMaster traditionally focused on budget models, the brand underwent a transformation last year to target the high-end market. When I tested the all-flash F8 SSD Plus during its launch, I was impressed with both the hardware and software improvements.
The F4-424 Max from TerraMaster continues this momentum with impressive hardware features, including dual 10GbE ports, a 10-core Intel Core i5 1235U platform, 8GB of upgradeable RAM, and four traditional drive bays in addition to two M.2 slots. Paired with enhancements to TOS 6 software, the F4-424 Max has the potential to be one of the top 4-bay NAS options available today, especially for those interested in building a high-end Plex server. After using the NAS for over two months, I believe it offers more advantages compared to the DiskStation DS923+.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Pricing and availability
TerraMaster released the F4-424 Max in Q4 2024, and it is now globally available for $899 on Amazon. For those not needing dual 10GbE connectivity, there is a standard F4-424 with dual 2.5GbE ports priced at $499. Additionally, there is an F4-424 Pro model with a Core i3-N305 and 16GB of memory along with dual 2.5GbE connectivity, priced at $649.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Design
TerraMaster’s previous devices were known for their unique aluminum enclosures but lacked efficient thermal management. The F4-424 Max addresses this with a more understated design featuring a black chassis with improved ventilation on the sides. This NAS is smaller than other 4-bay models and includes a 120mm fan at the back for effective cooling.
The drive bays’ design features a user-friendly push-to-latch mechanism for easy installation of 3.5-inch HDDs. The front includes status LEDs, while all ports, including the power button, are located at the back for a clean look.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Ports and connectivity
The standout feature of the F4-424 Max is its dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering an edge in connectivity compared to other NAS models. The rear panel also hosts two USB-A ports and a USB-C port, all providing 10Gbps bandwidth.
The NAS comes with 8GB of DDR5 non-ECC memory, upgradeable to 64GB, and two M.2 Gen 4 slots accessible by sliding the side panel.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Real-world testing
Powered by Intel’s 10-core Alder Lake Core i5 1235U, the F4-424 Max offers exceptional performance for demanding tasks like running VMs and managing Plex libraries. It efficiently handles 4K video transcoding and file transfers, utilizing the available bandwidth effectively.
The TOS 6 software provides various utility clients, including media streaming and virtual machines, while also supporting Docker containerization for additional services.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: The alternatives
While the DiskStation DS923+ may not match the hardware capabilities of the F4-424 Max, its software features and mobile clients make it a compelling alternative for those prioritizing software functionality.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if:
- You need a powerful 4-bay server
- You want 10GbE connectivity as standard
- You need hardware that will last a decade
You shouldn’t buy this if:
- You want the best software in this category
- You need a great value
Overall, the F4-424 Max offers top-notch hardware and significant software improvements, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful Plex server with 10GbE connectivity. While the software may have some minor drawbacks, the hardware advancements and software extensibility make it a compelling option.