QNAP vs TERRAMASTER NAS Devices: Which Brand Fits You?
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When comparing QNAP vs TERRAMASTER network attached storage, you face two distinct approaches to home and small office data management. Both brands offer quad-core processors and support for SATA drives, ensuring solid baseline performance for file sharing and media streaming. The primary difference lies in scale and expandability. QNAP targets users needing high capacity and modular upgrades, while TERRAMASTER focuses on compact, entry-level simplicity for smaller setups.
Key differences
| Aspect | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 2-Bay |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 | 1GB DDR4 |
| Processor Speed | 2.13 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
| Network Ports | Four 1GbE ports | Not listed |
| Expansion Slots | Two PCIe Gen3 slots | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 11 x 7.41 inches | 8.74 x 4.69 x 6.06 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS if
- You need to store large media libraries or virtualization environments requiring 8 drive bays.
- You want the flexibility to add 10GbE network cards or M.2 SSD caching via PCIe slots.
- You require 4GB of RAM for running multiple containerized apps or heavy multitasking.
Choose TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS if
- You have limited desk space and prefer a compact 2-bay form factor.
- You are a home user or SOHO owner seeking a simple, affordable entry-level NAS.
- You only need basic file sharing, backup, and 4K media streaming without complex upgrades.
Verdict: The QNAP TS-673-4G is the better choice for power users who need extensive storage capacity and hardware expandability. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 suits individuals or small offices that prioritize a small footprint and straightforward setup over raw power. Your decision should depend entirely on your drive count needs and upgrade requirements.
QNAP vs TerraMaster: Key Specs
Number of drive bays
The QNAP TS-673-4G offers eight drive bays, providing significant storage capacity for larger media libraries or business data. It accommodates six 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives plus two M.2 SSD slots. In contrast, the TerraMaster F2-212 is a compact two-bay unit designed for smaller home setups. It supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives but limits total capacity to 64TB in RAID 0. If you need extensive storage expansion or hybrid caching with M.2 drives, the QNAP provides much greater flexibility and raw space.
RAM capacity
Memory plays a crucial role in handling multiple tasks and virtualization. The QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded to 8GB depending on the specific variation you choose. This allows for smoother operation of containerized apps and virtual machines. The TerraMaster F2-212 includes only 1GB of DDR4 RAM, and the data indicates this memory is not upgradeable. For users running complex services or heavy multitasking, the QNAP’s higher and expandable RAM capacity offers a clear performance advantage.
Processor speed
Both devices feature quad-core processors, but the clock speeds differ. The QNAP TS-673-4G uses an AMD R-Series processor running at 2.13GHz, which generally handles heavier workloads and transcoding more efficiently. The TerraMaster F2-212 relies on an ARM v8 quad-core CPU clocked at 1.7GHz. While sufficient for basic file serving and 4K hardware decoding, the lower clock speed may limit performance in more demanding scenarios. The QNAP’s higher frequency processor provides better headroom for intensive tasks.
Network connectivity
Connectivity options vary significantly between the two units. The QNAP TS-673-4G is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for link aggregation or separate network segments. It also supports optional 10GbE expansion via PCIe slots, enabling much faster data transfers for professional workflows. The TerraMaster F2-212 does not list specific port counts or 10GbE support in the provided data. For users requiring high-speed network performance or redundant connections, the QNAP offers superior and more flexible networking capabilities.
Physical size and weight
Footprint matters for placement in home or office environments. The TerraMaster F2-212 is a compact desktop unit, measuring 4.69 by 8.74 inches and weighing just 4.6 pounds. It is easy to place on a desk or shelf. The QNAP TS-673-4G is substantially larger and heavier, measuring 10.4 by 11 inches and weighing 12.3 pounds. Its eight-bay design requires a dedicated spot, likely in a server rack or closet. If space is limited, the TerraMaster is the more practical choice.
Choose QNAP or TerraMaster for your needs
Users needing high storage capacity and expansion
The QNAP TS-673-4G provides eight drive bays and dual M.2 slots for caching. It includes four 1GbE ports and supports 10GbE expansion via PCIe. This setup suits users requiring large storage pools and faster network connectivity for heavy data access.
Home users wanting simple multimedia storage
The TerraMaster F2-212 is a compact 2-bay NAS with an ARM quad-core processor. It supports 4K video decoding and DLNA for home media. Its small size and straightforward setup make it ideal for basic file sharing and media streaming in smaller spaces.
Users requiring GPU transcoding capabilities
Only the QNAP TS-673-4G supports an NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics card. This allows for hardware-accelerated 4K video transcoding. If you need to convert media formats on the fly without taxing the CPU, this specific hardware feature is essential for your workflow.
The products compared
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: high-capacity storage with expansion options
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-673 is an 8-bay NAS drive featuring an AMD quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes four 1GbE ports and two PCIe slots for expansion. Dual M.2 slots support SSD caching. This unit suits users needing high capacity and hardware acceleration for media tasks. It offers scalable storage options for virtualization and backup needs.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for large storage pools
- Quad-core AMD processor with 4GB RAM
- Two PCIe slots for network or GPU expansion
- Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching
Cons
- Base 4GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
- Standard 1GbE ports lack native 10GbE
- Heavy 12.3-pound chassis requires sturdy mounting
Good fit if
- You need extensive storage for many drives
- You want hardware transcoding via GPU support
- You plan to add 10GbE connectivity later
Skip if
- You require built-in 10GbE networking
- You prefer a compact desktop footprint
- You need more than 4GB RAM out of the box
Verdict: QNAP TS-673 8-Bay NAS with 4GB RAM fits users who prioritize drive capacity and expansion flexibility over speed. It is ideal for those building a scalable storage server with room for future upgrades.
TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS
Best for: basic home file storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Processor
- ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- RAID 0
- Dimensions
- 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a 2-bay NAS drive designed for home and small office use. It runs on a quad-core 1.7GHz ARM processor with 1GB of non-upgradeable DDR4 RAM. The unit supports RAID 0 and handles 4K video decoding. You get access to standard file protocols like SMB and NFS. It is diskless, so you must supply your own drives. This setup suits users who need basic storage without complex management.
Pros
- Quad-core 1.7GHz ARM processor
- Supports 4K video hardware decoding
- Compatible with SMB, NFS, and AFP protocols
- Includes multiple backup applications
Cons
- RAM is not upgradeable
- Only supports RAID 0
- Sold diskless without included drives
Good fit if
- You need a simple home storage solution
- You want basic RAID 0 performance
- You prefer a lightweight 2-bay chassis
Skip if
- You require RAID 1 for data redundancy
- You need expandable RAM for heavy tasks
- You want included storage drives
Verdict: The TERRAMASTER F2-212 2-Bay NAS fits users who need basic home storage with simple file sharing. It lacks advanced redundancy options but offers straightforward setup for light workloads.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 6 Bay | 2-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 4x GbE LAN | not stated |
| Processor | not stated | ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 | 1GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not stated |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | RAID 0 |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds | 4.6 pounds |
| Size | 4GB RAM | 2 Bay |
| Color | Black | 2-Bay, Quad-Core, F2-212 |
| Model | TS-673-4G-US | F2-212 |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS brand is better for expanding storage capacity later?
QNAP is the better choice for users who prioritize drive capacity and expansion flexibility. The TS-673-4G model features eight drive bays, allowing you to store large media libraries or business data. It also includes dual M.2 slots for caching, providing room for future upgrades and scalable storage growth as your needs increase.
Do both brands use quad-core processors for performance?
Yes, both QNAP and TERRAMASTER utilize quad-core processors in their listed models. This ensures solid baseline performance for file sharing and media streaming tasks. Whether you choose the high-capacity QNAP unit or the basic TERRAMASTER desktop NAS, you get the processing power needed for straightforward home or small office workloads without significant lag.
Is TERRAMASTER suitable for advanced redundancy options?
No, the TERRAMASTER F2-212 lacks advanced redundancy options. It is designed for basic home file storage with simple file sharing capabilities. This device offers straightforward setup for light workloads but does not provide the complex data protection features found in higher-end units. You should look elsewhere if you require robust data safety mechanisms.
What is the maximum number of drives the QNAP supports?
The QNAP TS-673-4G supports up to eight drives in its eight-bay configuration. It accommodates six 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives plus two M.2 SSD slots. This high capacity makes it ideal for users building a scalable storage server with significant room for future upgrades and large data archives compared to smaller two-bay alternatives.
How much RAM does the QNAP TS-673-4G have?
The QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB of RAM. This memory capacity fits users who prioritize drive capacity and expansion flexibility over raw speed. It provides sufficient resources for managing multiple tasks and large files, ensuring stable operation for your storage server while leaving room for additional hardware expansions as your library grows.
Which device is better for basic home file storage?
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is better for basic home file storage. It is a 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS designed for simple file sharing. It offers straightforward setup for light workloads, making it an efficient choice for users who need reliable storage without the complexity or high capacity of larger, more expensive enterprise-grade systems.
Does the QNAP model support 10GbE expansion?
Yes, the QNAP TS-673-4G supports 10GbE expansion via PCIe. It includes four 1GbE ports as standard network connectivity. This flexibility allows you to upgrade your network speed later by adding expansion cards, making it suitable for users requiring large bandwidth for high-speed data transfer between multiple devices on your local network.