TERRAMASTER 4-Bay NAS 32GB RAM vs TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS (2026): Key Differences
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This terramaster f4 424 pro NAS 4 bay vs f8 SSD NAS 8 bay comparison helps you choose between two distinct storage architectures. Both devices use DDR5 memory and modern Intel processors for efficient data handling. The primary difference lies in their storage medium and capacity. The F4-424 Pro supports traditional hard drives for high-volume archival, while the F8 SSD is built exclusively for NVMe drives. You must decide whether you prioritize raw capacity or extreme speed and compact design.
Key differences
| Aspect | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Storage Type | HDD/SSD Hybrid (Diskless) | All-SSD (NVMe) |
| Processor | Core i3-N305 (8-Core) | Intel N95 (4-Core) |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB DDR5 | 8GB DDR5 |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 2.5GbE | 1x 10Gbps |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds | 1.32 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM if
- You need maximum storage capacity for large media libraries or backups using standard hard drives.
- You require more RAM to handle heavy virtualization tasks or multiple simultaneous database queries.
- You want dual 2.5GbE ports for link aggregation or separate network traffic routing.
Choose TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS if
- You prioritize extreme read/write speeds and low latency for database or application hosting.
- You have limited desk space and need a lightweight, compact device that fits in tight areas.
- You prefer a silent operation environment with no moving mechanical parts generating noise.
Verdict: Choose the F4-424 Pro if you need high-capacity storage for files and media. Select the F8 SSD if your workflow demands the fastest possible access times and a small physical footprint. Your decision depends on whether you value total storage volume or raw performance speed.
NAS Specs: 4-Bay HDD vs 8-Bay SSD
Processor performance
The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro uses an Intel Core i3-N305, an 8-core, 8-thread CPU with a turbo frequency of 3.8GHz. In contrast, the F8 SSD NAS relies on an Intel N95, which is a quad-core, 4-thread processor with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4GHz. The F4-424 Pro offers more cores and higher clock speeds, which generally translates to better multitasking and faster application processing. This makes the F4-424 Pro the stronger choice for heavy computational loads.
Memory capacity
Memory size directly impacts how many virtual machines or database applications you can run simultaneously. The F4-424 Pro comes equipped with 32GB of DDR5 4800MHz RAM. The F8 SSD NAS includes only 8GB of DDR5 4800MHz memory. While both use the same fast DDR5 standard, the F4-424 Pro provides four times the memory capacity. This significant difference allows the F4-424 Pro to handle much more intensive workloads without slowing down.
Storage bays and type
Storage architecture defines your primary use case. The F8 SSD NAS is an all-SSD solution featuring eight bays designed for M.2 2280 NVMe drives, supporting up to 64TB total capacity. The F4-424 Pro has four bays intended for traditional 3.5-inch HDDs. If you need high capacity at a lower cost per terabyte, the F4-424 Pro is suitable. If you require maximum speed and low latency from solid-state drives, the F8 SSD NAS provides eight slots for that purpose.
Network connectivity
Network speed determines how fast you can transfer data across your local area network. The F8 SSD NAS features a single 10Gbps Ethernet port, capable of transfer speeds up to 1024MB/s. The F4-424 Pro offers dual 2.5GbE ports, which can be aggregated to provide up to 5Gb of bandwidth. While the F8 SSD has a faster single port, the F4-424 Pro offers redundancy and flexibility. For pure single-stream throughput, the F8 SSD is faster.
Physical form factor
The physical size affects where you can place the device. The F8 SSD NAS is remarkably compact, measuring 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches and weighing just 1.32 pounds. It is described as palm-sized and lightweight. The F4-424 Pro is larger, measuring 8.74 x 7.05 x 6.06 inches and weighing 4.2 pounds. The F8 SSD is easier to fit on a desk or in tight spaces, while the F4-424 Pro requires more substantial rack or shelf space.
M.2 SSD support
Both devices support M.2 NVMe SSDs, but for different purposes. The F8 SSD NAS uses these slots for primary storage, housing up to eight drives. The F4-424 Pro includes two M.2 NVMe slots specifically for SSD caching or fast storage tiers. This allows the F4-424 Pro to accelerate access to data stored on the slower HDDs in its four main bays. The F8 SSD offers more raw SSD capacity, while the F4-424 Pro offers hybrid flexibility.
Choose the right TerraMaster NAS
Users needing maximum compute power
The F4-424 Pro features an 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU with a 3.8GHz turbo speed. It includes 32GB of non-upgradable DDR5 RAM. This configuration delivers faster application load times and improved database response speeds. You get dual 2.5GbE ports and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This setup suits high-load workflows requiring significant processing strength and memory bandwidth.
Those prioritizing storage capacity and speed
The F8 SSD NAS supports eight M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs for a total capacity of 64TB. It connects via a single 10Gbps Ethernet port, offering transfer speeds up to 1024MB/s. The device uses an Intel N95 processor with 8GB of DDR5 RAM. Its compact, lightweight design fits easily on desks. This option is ideal if you need high density and fast network throughput for SSD-based storage.
People seeking quiet operation
The F8 SSD NAS operates nearly silently with standby noise below 19dB. It uses an active cooling system with heat sinks on each SSD and silent fans. The lack of spinning hard drives eliminates mechanical noise. The F4-424 Pro includes sound-absorbing panels but still houses mechanical drives. If you require a whisper-quiet environment for home or office use, the all-SSD F8 model is the better choice.
The products compared
TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM
Best for: high-performance 4-bay storage needs
- 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 driven by an 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It features dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This setup targets users needing high application performance and fast file retrieval. It suits small to medium businesses requiring robust data handling without the bulk of an 8-bay system.
Pros
- 32GB DDR5 RAM for enhanced application speed
- 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU
- Dual 2.5GbE network interfaces
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
Cons
- Limited to 4 drive bays
- RAM is non-ECC and non-upgradable
- No mention of wireless connectivity options
Good fit if
- You need high-speed application performance
- You prefer a compact 4-bay form factor
- You require dual 2.5GbE network ports
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You require upgradable RAM capacity
- You need an 8-bay all-SSD configuration
Verdict: TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro 4-Bay NAS delivers strong processing power and memory for users prioritizing application speed in a compact chassis. It is ideal for those who do not need the extensive storage capacity of an 8-bay model.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS
Best for: compact all-SSD storage needs
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel N95
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS Affiliate link
This is an 8-bay all-SSD NAS designed for speed and quiet operation. It uses an Intel N95 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR5 RAM. The device connects via 10Gbps Ethernet for fast data transfer. Its compact, lightweight build fits easily on a desk. It supports up to 64TB of NVMe storage. This unit suits users who need high performance in a small, silent form factor.
Pros
- 8 bays for M.2 NVMe SSDs
- Intel N95 4-core processor
- 8GB DDR5 memory
- 10Gbps Ethernet port
- Quiet operation below 19dB
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM compared to 32GB in the F4-424 Pro
- Requires separate purchase of SSDs
- Fewer processor cores than the competing 8-core model
Good fit if
- You need high-speed storage for many SSDs
- You want a quiet device for home use
- You have limited desk space
Skip if
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You require 32GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
- You prefer a multi-core processor with more threads
Verdict: TERRAMASTER F8 SSD 8-Bay NAS delivers fast, quiet storage in a compact size. It is the right choice for users who prioritize SSD speed and silence over raw processing power and included drives.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2 x 2.5GbE | 1x 10GbE |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel N95 |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB DDR5 4800MHz | 8GB DDR5 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 0 | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | 8-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 8.74 × 7.05 × 6.06 inches | 5.91 × 3.94 × 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds | 1.32 pounds |
| Size | 4Bay, 8-Core CPU, 32GB RAM, F4-424 Pro | 8.66 inches x 5.91 inches x 2.17 inches |
| Color | Black | black |
| Model | F4-424 Pro | F8 SSD |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is better for running virtual machines?
The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is the better choice for virtualization tasks. It includes 32GB of RAM and an 8-core Intel Core processor. This combination provides the memory and compute power needed for multiple virtual instances. The F8 SSD NAS has only 8GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU, which limits its virtualization capacity.
Is the 8-bay NAS quieter than the 4-bay model?
Yes, the F8 SSD NAS is designed for silent operation. It uses solid-state drives that have no moving parts. The F4-424 Pro supports hard disk drives, which generate mechanical noise during read and write operations. If you need a quiet environment, the all-SSD model is the superior option.
Does the F4-424 Pro support hard drives?
Yes, the F4-424 Pro features four bays designed for hard disk drives. It is built for high-capacity storage using traditional spinning disks. The F8 SSD NAS, by contrast, uses eight bays for solid-state drives only. You cannot install hard drives in the 8-bay model.
Which device is more compact?
The F8 SSD NAS is significantly more compact. It measures 5.91 inches in length and weighs just 1.32 pounds. The F4-424 Pro is larger, measuring 8.74 inches in length and weighing 4.2 pounds. If space is a constraint, the 8-bay SSD unit fits into smaller areas.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the F4-424 Pro?
No, the 32GB of RAM in the F4-424 Pro is not upgradable. The memory is soldered to the motherboard. Similarly, the 8GB of RAM in the F8 SSD NAS is fixed. You must choose the model with the RAM capacity that meets your current and future needs.
Which NAS offers faster data transfer speeds?
The F8 SSD NAS offers faster data transfer speeds. It uses solid-state drives, which provide higher read and write performance than hard disk drives. The F4-424 Pro uses HDDs, which are slower but offer higher storage capacity per dollar. Choose the F8 SSD for speed and the F4-424 Pro for capacity.
Is the F8 SSD NAS suitable for heavy database workloads?
The F8 SSD NAS is less suitable for heavy database workloads due to its limited resources. It has an 8GB RAM limit and a quad-core processor. The F4-424 Pro has 32GB of RAM and an 8-core CPU, making it better equipped to handle intensive database queries and application loads.
What is the main difference in storage architecture?
The main difference is the storage medium. The F4-424 Pro uses four bays for hard disk drives, prioritizing capacity. The F8 SSD NAS uses eight bays for solid-state drives, prioritizing speed and silence. Your choice depends on whether you need more space or faster access times.