TERRAMASTER 4-Bay NAS 32GB RAM or TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3? Which TERRAMASTER Model to Buy
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This terramaster f4 424 pro NAS 4 bay vs f6 425 pro NAS server comparison looks at two distinct hardware approaches. Both units are diskless servers from TerraMaster that utilize DDR5 memory and modern Intel Core processors. They also both support advanced RAID configurations and include multiple M.2 NVMe slots for caching. The primary difference lies in their storage capacity and network speed. The F4-424 Pro offers more RAM and faster Ethernet, while the F6-425 Pro provides more drive bays and higher bandwidth connectivity.
Key differences
| Aspect | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM | TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3 NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 6-Bay |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB DDR5 | 8GB DDR5 |
| Processor | Core i3-N305 (8-Core) | Core i3-1315U (6-Core) |
| Network Connectivity | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 10GbE |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | 3 slots |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds | 4.63 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM if
- You need maximum RAM for running heavy virtual machines or databases simultaneously.
- You prefer a more compact chassis that fits easily into smaller workspaces.
- You want faster application load times and improved database response speeds.
Choose TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3 NAS if
- You require extra drive bays to store large media libraries or project files.
- You need high-speed 10GbE connectivity for direct PC-to-NAS transfers or 4K editing.
- You want to use the latest AI-native operating system features and online office editing.
Verdict: Choose the F4-424 Pro if your workflow is limited by memory or CPU processing power rather than storage space. Pick the F6-425 Pro if you need more drive bays and faster network speeds for large file transfers. Both models offer robust performance for different types of professional tasks.
NAS Server Specs Compared
drive bays
The TerraMaster F6-425 Pro offers six drive bays, providing more storage capacity for your media library or business data. This extra space allows you to add more hard drives for larger RAID arrays or increased redundancy. The F4-424 Pro has four bays, which is sufficient for smaller setups or users who prioritize performance over raw volume. If you need to store large video projects or extensive databases, the six-bay chassis gives you more flexibility for future growth without needing a second unit.
ram capacity
Memory is critical for running virtual machines, Docker containers, and database applications efficiently. The F4-424 Pro includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM, which is significantly more than the 8GB found in the F6-425 Pro. This larger memory pool allows the four-bay model to handle heavier multitasking workloads without slowing down. The six-bay unit’s 8GB is adequate for basic file serving and light media streaming, but it may become a bottleneck for power users running multiple services simultaneously. More RAM generally means better performance under load.
network connectivity
Network speed determines how fast you can transfer files between your NAS and other devices on your local network. The F6-425 Pro features dual 10GbE ports, offering a theoretical bandwidth of up to 20 Gbps when using link aggregation or SMB Multichannel. This is ideal for editing 4K video directly from the drive or moving large datasets quickly. The F4-424 Pro has dual 2.5GbE ports, which provide a maximum linear speed of 283 MB/s in testing. While sufficient for most home users, the six-bay model is superior for high-throughput professional workflows.
m.2 nvme slots
M.2 NVMe slots allow you to install solid-state drives for caching or as a fast boot drive. The F6-425 Pro provides three M.2 slots, giving you more options for configuring Hyper Cache or creating fast storage tiers. The F4-424 Pro has two M.2 slots, which is still a robust configuration for most users who want to accelerate read and write speeds. Having three slots offers greater flexibility for balancing cache performance against storage capacity, making the six-bay model slightly more versatile for advanced caching strategies.
processor performance
Both units use modern Intel Core processors, but they differ in core count and architecture. The F4-424 Pro uses the Core i3-N305, an 8-core, 8-thread processor with a turbo speed of 3.8GHz. The F6-425 Pro uses the Core i3-1315U, a 6-core processor. The eight-core design in the four-bay model generally offers better multi-threaded performance for tasks like transcoding or running multiple virtual machines. The six-bay unit’s processor is efficient but has fewer cores, which may limit its peak performance in heavily parallelized workloads compared to the four-bay variant.
Which TerraMaster NAS Model Suits You
Users needing high-speed 10GbE connectivity
The F6-425 Pro features dual 10GbE ports for up to 2090 MB/s transfer speeds. This bandwidth supports TB4 Bridge connections for direct PC access. It enables smooth 4K video editing and large file transfers without a network switch, offering superior network throughput compared to the 2.5GbE ports on the F4-424 Pro.
Users requiring maximum RAM for virtualization
The F4-424 Pro includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM. This large memory capacity supports heavy virtualization workloads and multiple Docker containers simultaneously. The F6-425 Pro only has 8GB of RAM, which limits its ability to run many simultaneous virtual machines or resource-intensive applications without swapping.
Users wanting flexible storage expansion
The F6-425 Pro supports TRAID and TRAID+ technologies. These allow online expansion of storage arrays without interrupting services or migrating data. It also handles mixed-capacity drives. The F4-424 Pro relies on traditional RAID types, offering less flexibility for growing storage needs without downtime or data migration.
Users prioritizing application speed and caching
The F4-424 Pro boasts 32GB RAM and dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. It claims faster application load times and database responses. The F6-425 Pro has only 8GB RAM and three M.2 slots, but the lower RAM may bottleneck performance for memory-heavy tasks compared to the 32GB configuration.
The products compared
TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM
Best for: High-performance application workloads
- 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 server powered by an 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This model suits users needing high application performance and fast data retrieval for small business workflows. It lacks disk capacity, requiring you to purchase drives separately.
Pros
- 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU with 3.8GHz turbo speed
- 32GB non-upgradable DDR5 4800MHz RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE network interfaces with 5Gb link aggregation
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
- Dual USB 3.2 10Gbps ports for fast external transfers
Cons
- Limited to 4 drive bays compared to 6-bay alternatives
- RAM is non-ECC and not upgradable
- Sold diskless with no included hard drives
Good fit if
- You need high application speed for database or web workloads
- You require dual 2.5GbE ports for multi-user access
- You want to use M.2 NVMe drives for caching
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You require upgradable ECC memory
- You want a NAS with pre-installed hard drives
Verdict: The TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro 4-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize CPU power and RAM capacity over raw storage volume. It is ideal for small businesses running heavy applications that benefit from DDR5 speed and dual 2.5GbE connectivity.
TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3 NAS
Best for: 6-bay storage and server workloads
- Drive Bays
- 6-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 10GbE x 2
- Processor
- Intel Core i3-1315U
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3 NAS Affiliate link
This 6-bay NAS server uses an Intel Core i3-1315U processor and 8GB DDR5 RAM. It includes dual 10GbE ports and three M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed data access. The device runs TOS 7, which supports AI tasks and online office editing. You get hardware 4K decoding for media streaming and Docker support for virtualization. This model suits users needing more drive bays and robust server capabilities for creative workflows.
Pros
- Intel Core i3-1315U 6-core processor
- 8GB DDR5 RAM
- Dual 10GbE network ports
- Three M.2 NVMe slots for cache
- TB4 Bridge for direct PC connection
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM compared to 32GB in the 4-bay alternative
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Smaller RAM capacity may limit heavy virtualization tasks
Good fit if
- You need six drive bays for large storage arrays
- You require dual 10GbE ports for high-speed networking
- You want to run Docker containers and virtual machines
Skip if
- You need 32GB of RAM for intensive multitasking
- You prefer a compact 4-bay form factor
- You want drives included in the box
Verdict: TerraMaster F6-425 Pro 6-Bay NAS offers expanded storage and server-grade features for users who prioritize capacity and networking speed over maximum RAM.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM | TERRAMASTER 6-Bay Intel Core i3 NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2 x 2.5GbE | 10GbE x 2 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB DDR5 4800MHz | 8GB DDR5 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | 3 slots |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 0 | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, TRAID, TRAID+ |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | not stated |
| Target Audience | not stated | Content Creators |
| Processor Cores | 8-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.74 × 7.05 × 6.06 inches | 3.44 × 3.72 × 2.39 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds | 4.63 pounds |
| Size | 4Bay, 8-Core CPU, 32GB RAM, F4-424 Pro | 6 Bay, F6-425 Pro |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | F4-424 Pro | F6-425 Pro |
Frequently asked questions
Does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro have enough RAM for virtual machines?
Yes. It includes 32GB of RAM, which supports heavy application workloads. This capacity is ideal for small businesses running multiple virtual machines or demanding software simultaneously. The DDR5 speed further enhances performance for these intensive tasks.
Which model provides more storage bays for your hard drives?
The TerraMaster F6-425 Pro offers six drive bays. This allows you to install more hard drives for larger RAID arrays or increased data redundancy. The F4-424 Pro is limited to four bays, making the F6 better for high-capacity needs.
Is the processor in the F4-424 Pro suitable for server tasks?
It features an 8-Core Intel Core processor. This provides significant CPU power for high-performance application workloads. Small businesses running heavy applications will benefit from this processing strength, especially when combined with its 32GB RAM capacity.
Can I use the F6-425 Pro for 4K video editing?
Yes. It supports dual 10GbE ports for up to 2090 MB/s transfer speeds. This bandwidth enables smooth 4K video editing and large file transfers. The TB4 Bridge connections also allow for direct PC access, streamlining your workflow.
Which NAS is better if I prioritize RAM over storage space?
Choose the F4-424 Pro. It fits users who prioritize CPU power and 32GB RAM capacity over raw storage volume. If your workflow involves memory-intensive applications rather than just storing large media files, this model is the more efficient choice.
Does the F6-425 Pro support high-speed networking?
Yes. It features dual 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. This setup supports up to 2090 MB/s speeds, which is crucial for server-grade workloads. It also enables TB4 Bridge connections for direct and fast access to your data.