Compact, high-capacity storage solutions are redefining how small businesses, creative professionals, and home enthusiasts manage their ever-growing data needs. The TerraMaster F4 SSD, a newly released network-attached storage (NAS) device, encapsulates this shift with its minimalist footprint and robust hardware capabilities. Packing up to 32 terabytes of all-SSD storage, expandable RAM options reaching 32 gigabytes, and a host of modern connectivity features, the F4 SSD positions itself as a premium alternative in the saturated NAS market. But does it truly serve as a versatile powerhouse, or is it a niche device with specific strengths and limitations? This deep dive explores both the technical merits and practical considerations to help readers determine where the TerraMaster F4 SSD stands among contemporary NAS offerings.
TerraMaster’s F4 SSD departs dramatically from traditional multi-bay NAS enclosures dominated by bulkier 3.5-inch hard drives. Measuring at just 138 x 60 x 140 millimeters, the device leverages four M.2 2280 SSD slots, shedding the need for conventional, space-consuming mechanical drives. By relying exclusively on M.2 SSDs, the F4 SSD not only provides a sleek footprint that fits comfortably on desktops or within entertainment centers but also promises the inherent advantages of SSD storage—faster data access, silent operation, lower power consumption, and improved durability.
The trade-off? Price and capacity. While SSDs far outpace hard drives in terms of speed and reliability, they remain significantly costlier per terabyte. With a supported raw capacity of 32 TB (presumably using four 8 TB M.2 SSDs, which are available but pricey), the F4 SSD is positioned for users who demand performance and are willing to invest for it. For reference, the current market price for high-capacity NVMe SSDs hovers at several hundred dollars per drive, pushing the total storage investment into the high four-digit range if fully populated.
This configuration makes the F4 SSD especially attractive to advanced home users, creative studios, and small businesses that require snappy file access, multi-user management, and seamless media operations. While the lack of ECC may give pause to enterprise IT professionals or data centers with stringent fault tolerance needs, for most small-scale deployments it is an acceptable compromise.
Complementing network speed is a versatile set of USB 3.2 ports—three in total, each supporting data rates up to 10 Gbps. Notably, one is a Type-C port, facilitating direct and speedy connection with modern laptops, smartphones, and backup drives. Fast external data offloading or backup routines are thus well accommodated. The presence of an HDMI output is another standout, enabling direct video playback for media centers or conference rooms—an unusual but increasingly sought-after feature as NAS solutions double as entertainment hubs.
It is important to note that robust user and group management, as well as backup and virtualization support, are only as reliable as the underlying operating system and security protocols. While TerraMaster has made considerable progress with its TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) platform, reviews from the wider community continue to emphasize the necessity for regular security updates and careful configuration, especially when opening NAS devices to remote access or third-party integrations.
However, prospective buyers should temper their expectations when it comes to advanced GPU transcoding or intensive video processing. The Intel N95’s integrated graphics, while capable, may struggle with simultaneous high-bitrate streams or demanding codec conversions. For demanding Plex server setups or multi-user media transcoding, dedicated GPUs or more powerful CPUs remain the gold standard.
From a security perspective, the F4 SSD is competitive, featuring multi-user management, isolated storage, and (with TOS updates) support for encrypted volumes and scheduled backups. Nonetheless, security-minded users should ensure they apply firmware updates rapidly and consider additional measures such as firewalls, strong passwords, and, if possible, integration with network-wide authentication systems. As with all NAS setups, remote access exposes attack surfaces that should be minimized unless absolutely necessary.
Occasions where the F4 SSD truly excels include:
That said, some users with DIY leanings may consider building small form-factor servers or repurposing mini-PCs with M.2 slots, running open source NAS operating systems (like TrueNAS or Unraid) to match or even exceed the F4 SSD’s raw performance. While this route may offer more customization, it generally comes at the cost of higher complexity and reduced plug-and-play reliability that out-of-the-box appliances like TerraMaster provide.
Long-term reliability data is not yet widely available, given the device’s recent release. Users interested in deploying the F4 SSD as mission-critical infrastructure should monitor early adopter forums and update cycles closely to mitigate any unforeseen firmware or hardware issues.
However, these strengths are paired with costs and risks that should be weighed carefully. The absence of ECC memory, the premium price tag attached to high-capacity SSDs, and a reliance on evolving NAS software mean the F4 SSD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is ideal for creative environments, media-centric households, and small teams that value speed and simplicity above raw storage volume or enterprise-grade redundancy.
As SSD prices continue to fall and demand for high-speed, accessible storage grows, devices like the F4 SSD signal the beginning of a new era in network storage. For those willing to invest—and who fall within the target use cases—TerraMaster delivers a unique, ready-to-deploy solution that bridges the gap between traditional bulk storage and the modern demands of lightning-fast, collaborative workflows. For everyone else, the expanding choices in NAS technology offer more tailored, affordable, or robust alternatives, making it an exciting era for anyone managing data outside the cloud.
Source: Notebookcheck TerraMaster: Compact network storage comes with 32 TB of space and up to 32 GB RAM
Compact SSD-Only Storage—The Core Design Philosophy
TerraMaster’s F4 SSD departs dramatically from traditional multi-bay NAS enclosures dominated by bulkier 3.5-inch hard drives. Measuring at just 138 x 60 x 140 millimeters, the device leverages four M.2 2280 SSD slots, shedding the need for conventional, space-consuming mechanical drives. By relying exclusively on M.2 SSDs, the F4 SSD not only provides a sleek footprint that fits comfortably on desktops or within entertainment centers but also promises the inherent advantages of SSD storage—faster data access, silent operation, lower power consumption, and improved durability.The trade-off? Price and capacity. While SSDs far outpace hard drives in terms of speed and reliability, they remain significantly costlier per terabyte. With a supported raw capacity of 32 TB (presumably using four 8 TB M.2 SSDs, which are available but pricey), the F4 SSD is positioned for users who demand performance and are willing to invest for it. For reference, the current market price for high-capacity NVMe SSDs hovers at several hundred dollars per drive, pushing the total storage investment into the high four-digit range if fully populated.
Performance Hardware: Intel N95, DDR5 RAM, and No ECC
At the device’s heart is an Intel N95 quad-core processor, launched in 2023 as part of Intel’s Alder Lake-N series. This chip is tailored for entry-level platforms but brings impressive efficiency and integrated graphics. It is paired out of the box with 8 GB DDR5 RAM—already a significant step up from legacy DDR4 solutions found on most entry-level and even some mid-range NAS devices. Users seeking greater multitasking or heavier workloads can upgrade to a maximum of 32 GB of DDR5 RAM. However, TerraMaster’s documentation confirms that ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory is not supported—a crucial distinction for users in mission-critical environments where data integrity is paramount.This configuration makes the F4 SSD especially attractive to advanced home users, creative studios, and small businesses that require snappy file access, multi-user management, and seamless media operations. While the lack of ECC may give pause to enterprise IT professionals or data centers with stringent fault tolerance needs, for most small-scale deployments it is an acceptable compromise.
Network and Connectivity Options
A modern NAS must keep pace not only with internal performance but also with high-speed external connectivity. The F4 SSD includes a 5 Gbps Ethernet port—providing five times the speed of standard gigabit networking but falling short of the newer 10 Gbps backbones seen in some enterprise-class NAS solutions. For most prosumer environments and creative teams, this bandwidth is appropriate, supporting rapid file transfers, high-resolution video workflows, and synchronous backups with minimal bottlenecking.Complementing network speed is a versatile set of USB 3.2 ports—three in total, each supporting data rates up to 10 Gbps. Notably, one is a Type-C port, facilitating direct and speedy connection with modern laptops, smartphones, and backup drives. Fast external data offloading or backup routines are thus well accommodated. The presence of an HDMI output is another standout, enabling direct video playback for media centers or conference rooms—an unusual but increasingly sought-after feature as NAS solutions double as entertainment hubs.
User Management and Software Features
One of the unique selling points highlighted by TerraMaster is its capacity to support up to 20 distinct user accounts, each with isolated storage areas. This granular user management is a boon for creative agencies, departments within small businesses, and collaborative teams where data segregation and individualized backups are critical. TerraMaster’s software allows automatic photo backups—appealing to photographers, content creators, and family users alike who wish to centralize media without manual intervention. Integration with third-party cloud storage offers further peace of mind and flexibility, bridging the gap between local and remote data management.It is important to note that robust user and group management, as well as backup and virtualization support, are only as reliable as the underlying operating system and security protocols. While TerraMaster has made considerable progress with its TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) platform, reviews from the wider community continue to emphasize the necessity for regular security updates and careful configuration, especially when opening NAS devices to remote access or third-party integrations.
Media Playback—A Niche but Valuable Addition
Direct HDMI output sets the F4 SSD apart from most competing NAS devices, which require third-party devices or streaming protocols for local media playback. For home theaters or offices, the ability to connect directly to a display or projector simplifies multimedia workflows and eliminates compatibility headaches common with streaming. This works especially well when combined with SSD-level transfer rates, ensuring smooth 4K video playback and rapid thumbnail generation or media scrubbing.However, prospective buyers should temper their expectations when it comes to advanced GPU transcoding or intensive video processing. The Intel N95’s integrated graphics, while capable, may struggle with simultaneous high-bitrate streams or demanding codec conversions. For demanding Plex server setups or multi-user media transcoding, dedicated GPUs or more powerful CPUs remain the gold standard.
Security, Data Integrity, and Limitations
The F4 SSD’s design is clearly optimized for speed, convenience, and multiple-user support but is not aiming at mission-critical reliability. The lack of ECC RAM, for one, takes it off the table for industries such as scientific computing or financial operations where even minor data corruption risks are unacceptable. Additionally, using M.2 SSDs exclusively—while minimizing failure points mechanically—also means users should research the endurance ratings (TBW, or terabytes written) of their chosen drives. Unlike NAS-specific hard drives built for years of 24/7 operation, consumer-grade NVMe SSDs may degrade faster under constant write-heavy workloads. Users handling constant video recording, surveillance, or rapid versioning should ensure that the SSDs they purchase are rated for NAS workloads or possess appropriate warranty support.From a security perspective, the F4 SSD is competitive, featuring multi-user management, isolated storage, and (with TOS updates) support for encrypted volumes and scheduled backups. Nonetheless, security-minded users should ensure they apply firmware updates rapidly and consider additional measures such as firewalls, strong passwords, and, if possible, integration with network-wide authentication systems. As with all NAS setups, remote access exposes attack surfaces that should be minimized unless absolutely necessary.
Price to Value: Who Should Consider the F4 SSD?
TerraMaster has set the F4 SSD’s MSRP at $399.99—a point that reflects both the advanced hardware and the niche market for all-SSD NAS appliances. But buyers need to factor in the cost of SSD storage, which, as outlined, can be an order of magnitude higher than equivalent capacity hard drives. As a result, the device is best seen as an investment for professionals who put a premium on speed, noise-free operation, and compactness over sheer capacity.Occasions where the F4 SSD truly excels include:
- Creative studios that juggle large libraries of RAW photos, 4K footage, or project assets and require rapid read/write cycles.
- Small teams needing secure, compartmentalized storage for ongoing collaboration, but without the complexity or expense of traditional rack mount NAS units.
- Advanced home theater enthusiasts who want a direct-play media center with instant access for large personal libraries.
- Traveling teams or freelancers needing portable, high-speed NAS for on-location backups and file distribution.
Comparison With Competitors and Alternatives
The all-SSD design, RAM expandability, and HDMI port put the F4 SSD in a relatively unique bracket. Competitors such as Synology and QNAP do offer M.2-equipped NAS units, but most reserve all-flash, NVMe-exclusive designs for their enterprise lines—at prices many times above the F4 SSD’s list cost. Additionally, features like 32 GB RAM support (albeit non-ECC) and built-in HDMI output are seldom found together in direct rivals.That said, some users with DIY leanings may consider building small form-factor servers or repurposing mini-PCs with M.2 slots, running open source NAS operating systems (like TrueNAS or Unraid) to match or even exceed the F4 SSD’s raw performance. While this route may offer more customization, it generally comes at the cost of higher complexity and reduced plug-and-play reliability that out-of-the-box appliances like TerraMaster provide.
User and Industry Community Insights
Initial industry reactions highlight the F4 SSD’s blend of portability, future-proofed connectivity, and ease-of-use. Reviewers have praised the seamless automatic photo backup, quick user set-up, and the silent-running SSD-based enclosure, all central to the device's value proposition. However, some critical voices point to relatively limited upgradability (external expansion beyond USB is not supported), the lack of dual or redundant Ethernet ports (which would provide higher availability for business applications), and potential concerns about firmware maturity on TerraMaster’s TOS platform.Long-term reliability data is not yet widely available, given the device’s recent release. Users interested in deploying the F4 SSD as mission-critical infrastructure should monitor early adopter forums and update cycles closely to mitigate any unforeseen firmware or hardware issues.
Critical Analysis: Advantages and Caveats
Strengths
- Ultra-compact SSD-only architecture: Makes true desktop-class NAS speeds possible in spaces previously impractical for storage appliances.
- Latest connectivity standards: 5 Gbps LAN, 10 Gbps USB 3.2 (including Type-C), and direct HDMI output cover a broad range of modern use cases.
- Scalable user management: Up to 20 individually separated accounts make it ready for team scenarios out of the box.
- Upgradeable RAM: 8 GB (base) to 32 GB (max), all DDR5, ensures future-proof multitasking performance compared to many rivals.
- Focus on ease-of-use: The simplified set-up via TOS, plus direct photo backup and user isolation options, lower the barrier for less technical users.
Potential Weaknesses and Risks
- No ECC memory: Not suitable for high-assurance environments where single-bit errors could become catastrophic.
- All-SSD approach is costly: Initial outlay is high, both for the NAS and the required NVMe drives.
- No built-in hardware RAID controller: While software RAID is available, it may not deliver the same performance or consistency under failure as dedicated hardware RAID solutions.
- Single Ethernet port: Limits network redundancy and bandwidth aggregation found on some prosumer and business-class competition.
- Firmware dependency: The experience is highly dependent on TOS; any security flaws or bugs could compromise the device’s value proposition.
Conclusion: A Bold Niche Challenger
The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a forward-thinking, compact NAS solution aimed squarely at users who demand outright speed, quiet operation, and flexibility in a minimal footprint. Its combination of all-SSD design, ample RAM headroom, direct HDMI output, and strong user management options mark it as a departure from bulkier, slower, and noisier traditional NAS systems.However, these strengths are paired with costs and risks that should be weighed carefully. The absence of ECC memory, the premium price tag attached to high-capacity SSDs, and a reliance on evolving NAS software mean the F4 SSD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is ideal for creative environments, media-centric households, and small teams that value speed and simplicity above raw storage volume or enterprise-grade redundancy.
As SSD prices continue to fall and demand for high-speed, accessible storage grows, devices like the F4 SSD signal the beginning of a new era in network storage. For those willing to invest—and who fall within the target use cases—TerraMaster delivers a unique, ready-to-deploy solution that bridges the gap between traditional bulk storage and the modern demands of lightning-fast, collaborative workflows. For everyone else, the expanding choices in NAS technology offer more tailored, affordable, or robust alternatives, making it an exciting era for anyone managing data outside the cloud.
Source: Notebookcheck TerraMaster: Compact network storage comes with 32 TB of space and up to 32 GB RAM
