Key Takeaways
1. High Storage Capacity: The F4-425 supports up to 120TB total storage with four bays, each accommodating drives up to 30TB, surpassing the previous model’s limit.
2. Hardware-Level H.265 Decoding: The device enables smooth 4K playback for various media services like Plex and Jellyfin, enhancing home entertainment experiences.
3. Versatile RAID Options: It offers multiple RAID configurations (0, 1, 5, 6, 10) and features TRAID for improved storage efficiency and data redundancy.
4. User-Friendly Features: The F4-425 includes support for over 50 user accounts, automatic backups, and AI-enhanced smart image album creation, along with a tool-free assembly system.
5. Limited RAM and Ports: The device has only 4GB of RAM, lacks upgrade options, and features a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port with no SSD slots or type-C USB ports.
TerraMaster has introduced the F4-425, which they claim is the perfect 4-bay NAS for home entertainment and everyday data storage. This device features “hardware-level” H.265 decoding, allowing for smooth 4K playback from services like Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby, as well as various uPnP/DLNA media-sharing systems.
Impressive Storage Capacity
Each of the four bays can hold drives up to 30TB, allowing for a total storage capacity of 120TB—an upgrade from the 88TB limit of the previous F4-424 model. This increased capacity can be managed using TRAID, which TerraMaster promotes as offering “30% improved storage efficiency and full data redundancy.” This system reportedly leaves a drive with as much as 200% more free space than a comparable RAID5 array.
Flexible RAID Options
The F4-425 also offers the versatility of using RAID0, 1, 5, 6, or 10. It is designed to provide up to 256-bit TLS encryption and offers CloudSync security when integrated with Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. Additionally, the server is marketed as an ultra-quiet unit, operating at a maximum of 21 decibels (dB, ambient levels), and features a “10-second” tool-free Push-Lock assembly system.
Considerations for Potential Buyers
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Notably, the F4-425 comes with only 4GB of RAM, which is less than the 8GB offered in the F4-424, and there are no indications that it can be upgraded. TerraMaster positions this model as a successor to the older ARM-based F4-212, even though it is powered by the basic Intel Celeron N5095 processor, which is common in many NAS devices.
Moreover, this server lacks SSD slots and is equipped with just one 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port alongside three USB ports, with none being type-C. The new model includes the company’s TNAS Mobile app and TerraSync for smoother setup and “real-time” syncing between devices such as PCs, Macs, or smartphones.
The F4-425 also boasts user-friendly features like support for over 50 individual user accounts, automatic backups, and AI-enhanced smart image album creation.
The TerraMaster F4-425 is now available for purchase on Amazon at a price of $369.99. Alternatively, the dual-bay F2-425, which shares many features but has half the maximum storage capability, is priced at $249.99.
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