TERRAMASTER 4-Bay NAS 32GB RAM Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• Intel Core i3-N305 8-core CPU with 3.8GHz turbo speed
• 32GB DDR5 4800MHz non-ECC, non-upgradable RAM
• Dual 2.5GbE ports supporting link aggregation up to 5Gb bandwidth
• Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching with tool-free installation
• Support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, Single, and TRAID

Who it fits

Key specs explained

Core i3-N305 8-Core

This processor offers eight cores and threads, providing significant multitasking power for virtual machines and containerized applications. You benefit from faster application load times and improved database response speeds compared to lower-end models. This CPU is suitable for users running multiple services simultaneously without bottlenecks.

32GB DDR5 4800MHz

The system includes 32GB of fast DDR5 memory, which handles large datasets and complex queries efficiently. This capacity supports heavy workloads like video editing or running numerous Docker containers. Note that this RAM is non-ECC and non-upgradable, so you must plan your capacity needs carefully at purchase.

4-Bay

This enclosure holds four internal hard drives, allowing you to build flexible storage configurations like RAID 5 or RAID 6 for redundancy. It suits small businesses or power users who need substantial local storage capacity while maintaining data safety through parity or mirroring setups across multiple disks.

2x 2.5GbE

Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-speed network connectivity for rapid file transfers and multi-user access. You can configure link aggregation to combine these ports for up to 5 Gb of bandwidth. This setup reduces network congestion and improves performance for concurrent data retrieval tasks.

TerraMaster F4-424 Pro Build Quality

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro measures 7.05 inches wide, 8.74 inches long, and 6.06 inches high. It weighs 4.2 pounds. The listing describes the finish as black. This compact footprint allows the unit to fit into standard server racks or small office desks without dominating the space. You can place it in areas with limited airflow, though the noise-reduction panels suggest it is designed for quieter environments.

The chassis features a side-sliding cover for M.2 NVMe slot access. This design simplifies the installation of SSDs for caching without requiring complex disassembly. The drive bays use a tool-free tray system with a push-lock mechanism. This ensures hard disks are secured automatically, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection. You do not need additional tools to install or remove drives, which speeds up initial setup and maintenance.

According to the listing, the internal structure includes shock-absorbing measures and special sound-absorbing panels. These elements are intended to minimize operational noise and protect components from vibration. The dual 2.5 GbE ports and dual USB 3.2 10Gbps interfaces are located on the rear panel. This layout keeps high-speed connections accessible while maintaining a clean exterior. The design prioritizes functional access and stability for small business users who require reliable, high-performance storage.

Setup and daily operation

You begin by installing drives into the tool-free trays. The Push-Lock design secures them automatically, preventing accidental disconnection. This mechanism simplifies initial assembly without requiring additional hardware. You can then slide out the side cover to install M.2 NVMe SSDs. Hand-tightened screws hold these drives in place, offering a straightforward caching or storage expansion option. The unit arrives diskless, so you must provide your own storage media to activate the four bays.

Network configuration involves connecting the dual 2.5GbE ports. You can use Link Aggregation to combine these interfaces for up to 5 Gb of bandwidth. This setup supports multi-user access and high-concurrent file transfers. The dual USB 3.2 10Gbps ports allow for swift data transfer to external devices when needed. You benefit from linear speeds up to 283 MB/s with dedicated HDDs in RAID 0.

Daily use leverages the 32GB DDR5 RAM and 8-core processor for heavy workloads. You experience faster application load times and improved database response speeds. The system supports various RAID types, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, Single, and TRAID. This flexibility lets you choose between speed and redundancy based on your data needs. Backup solutions like snapshots and cloud sync are available to protect your files. The internal structure includes sound-absorbing panels to minimize operational noise. You get a quiet environment for continuous operation, whether for small business tasks or personal media management.

Before you buy this NAS

You should verify your network infrastructure before purchasing this unit. The dual 2.5GbE ports require compatible switches or routers to utilize their full bandwidth. Link aggregation can provide up to 5 Gb/s, but only if your network equipment supports it. You must also purchase hard drives separately, as this model is diskless. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM is non-upgradable, so ensure this capacity meets your virtualization or container needs from the start. Keep the environment dust-free to maintain the sound-absorbing panels and shock-absorbing measures. This high-performance NAS sits alongside other TerraMaster options like the F6-424, which offers more bays but less RAM. Choose this model if you prioritize processing power over raw storage capacity. Regularly check firmware updates to ensure the backup applications and RAID configurations remain stable. This device suits small businesses needing robust application speed rather than just file storage.

Check before you buy

• Verify your network supports 2.5GbE or link aggregation.
• Purchase compatible hard drives since the unit is diskless.
• Ensure 32GB non-upgradable RAM fits your virtualization needs.
• Check switch compatibility for dual 2.5G Ethernet ports.
• Compare RAM specs with the 6-bay F6-424 alternative.

The product at a glance

1

TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM

Best for: Small businesses needing high-performance NAS

Drive Bays

4-Bay

Network Connectivity

2 x 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Core i3-N305

RAM Capacity

32GB DDR5 4800MHz

M.2 NVMe Slots

2 slots

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM Affiliate link

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is a 4-bay NAS drive powered by an 8-core Core i3-N305 CPU and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It features dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This setup delivers high throughput for small businesses. You get fast application load times and efficient file retrieval. It suits users needing peak performance for virtualization or heavy database workloads without managing complex hardware upgrades.

Pros

• 8-core Core i3-N305 processor with 3.8GHz turbo speed
• 32GB DDR5 RAM for enhanced application speed
• Dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation up to 5Gb
• Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
• Dual USB 3.2 10Gbps interfaces for fast external transfers

Cons

• RAM is non-ECC and non-upgradable
• No hard drives included in the package
• Limited to 4 drive bays for large capacity needs

Good fit if

• You need high CPU performance for virtual machines
• You want fast application response times
• You require dual 2.5GbE network connectivity

Skip if

• You require upgradable ECC memory
• You need more than 4 drive bays
• You want a NAS with pre-installed drives

Verdict: The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro 4-Bay NAS fits professionals who prioritize raw processing power and fast RAM for demanding tasks. It is a strong choice for small business users needing high-speed data access and virtualization support.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• terramaster 4 bay NAS 32gb RAM alternatives
• best TERRAMASTER 4-Bay network attached storages
• aoostar wtr pro 4 2 bay NAS mini PC review
• maiwo 4 bay nvme cloner review