TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS Review

Review of the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro - a powerful device with some thermal limitations.

What is a NAS?

A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is a dedicated storage solution that provides centralized file sharing, backup, and application hosting capabilities. Unlike traditional external hard drives, a NAS connects to your network and allows multiple users to access and manage files simultaneously. Beyond basic storage functions, modern NAS units can serve as media servers, virtual machine hosts, and even web development environments, making them versatile additions to home and business setups.

TerraMaster F4-424 Pro: A Powerhouse NAS

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is one of the most powerful NAS devices in its price range, offering robust hardware and extensive software support. It features:

• CPU: Intel Core i3-N305 (8 Core, Max burst up to 3.8 GHz)
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 4 drive bays supporting 2.5" and 3.5" HDDs/SSDs
• NVMe Slots: Dual M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration
• Networking: Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports
• USB Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for external expansion
• Operating System: TerraMaster's TOS 5.0 (Linux-based)

This combination of features makes it an excellent choice for users needing a balance of storage, performance, and expandability.

My Setup: Storage, Virtual Machines, and Docker

Storage Configuration

I used my existing 6TB WD Red drives in TRAID mode, giving me 18TB of usable storage. TRAID provides a balance between redundancy and storage efficiency, ensuring data protection while maximizing available space.

Virtual Machines

One of the key features that attracted me to the F4-424 Pro was its ability to run virtual machines. I quickly set up:

• A Linux Server VM - This handles development website hosting, mySQL databases, FTP and so on. This was an existing VM I've been using for a while.
• A Ubuntu Desktop VM - Primarily used for coding, providing a remote development environment accessible from anywhere and leaving my desktop PC for gaming.

The VMs run smoothly thanks to the NAS's 8-core CPU and ample RAM. However, I noticed that under heavy workloads, CPU temperatures climbed rapidly causing the fan to run fast and loud. I later found this is due to the NAS's limited cooling capabilities.

Running Docker: A Self-Hosted Ecosystem

Beyond virtualization, I use Docker to run multiple services directly on the NAS, significantly enhancing its functionality. My setup includes:

• Jellyfin - A media server for streaming movies and TV shows.
• MySQL, PHP, and Apache - A web development stack for hosting and testing applications.
• Gitea - A self-hosted Git service for version control and code management.
• Trilium Notes - A personal knowledge base and note-taking app.

Thanks to Docker, all these services run efficiently in isolated containers, making updates and maintenance straightforward.

Common Issues with TOS 5.0

While the hardware of the F4-424 Pro is impressive, the TOS 5.0 software leaves much to be desired. There are multiple issues I've had over the past few months which make the overall experience feel unfinished and unstable, including:

1. Unresponsive Apps - Some built-in applications and third-party software installed through the App Store frequently freeze or fail to load properly.
2. Docker Instability - Docker containers occasionally crash or fail to restart after updates, making long-term reliability an issue for self-hosted applications.
3. Virtual Machine Problems - Users have reported that VMs can suddenly crash, requiring manual restarts and, in some cases, full reinstalls.
4. Slow UI Performance - The web interface can be sluggish, especially under load, making simple management tasks frustrating.
5. Backup & Sync Failures - Some users experience incomplete backups or failed synchronizations when using built-in backup solutions.
6. Frequent Software Bugs - Minor bugs, such as incorrect disk usage reporting, missing logs, and broken permissions, are common in TOS 5.0.

Overall, TOS 5.0 feels like a beta version rather than a polished NAS operating system. While updates from TerraMaster occasionally fix some of these issues, the software still lacks the refinement and reliability of competitors like Synology DSM or TrueNAS.

Modding the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro: Cooling Challenges

Despite its impressive hardware, the F4-424 Pro has a major design flaw - poor airflow to the CPU and NVMe slots. Determined to improve thermals, I attempted several modifications:

Attempt 1: Adding Heatsinks to NVMe Drives

I installed heatsinks on the NVMe SSDs to improve cooling. However, I soon discovered a clearance issue - the cover would not close due to the added height of the heatsinks. This forced me to remove them, leaving the NVMe drives to rely on passive cooling, which is suboptimal given the limited airflow inside the case. I plan on trying a low profile cooler for a PS5 to see if that is low enough.

Attempt 2: Addressing CPU Cooling & Case Airflow

The CPU heatsink relies on indirect airflow from the rear fan, which is insufficient. Unfortunately, the enclosure design does not allow direct airflow over the CPU, leading to high temperatures under sustained loads.

I considered swapping out the rear fan for a quieter, more efficient model. However, the NAS uses a 4 pin JST connector, and I can see from the factory fan some of the wires are crossed over. I'm unclear as to whether the fan has a different pin sequence or if the motherbaord is non-standard. Without clear documentation on the pinout, I hesitated to proceed with the modification, fearing potential compatibility issues with my existing PWM fans.

Limiting Power for Better Thermal Performance

With the cooling limitations in mind, I decided to cap the TDP at 18W. This adjustment significantly reduced temperatures and fan noise but at the cost of some performance loss under heavy workloads. While not ideal, it was a necessary compromise to maintain stability and prevent overheating.

Conclusion: A Capable NAS with Thermal Limitations

Pros

1. Excellent hardware for the price (8-core CPU, 32GB RAM, NVMe slots, 2.5GbE ports)
2. Virtualization and Docker support make it highly versatile
3. Fast network connectivity with dual 2.5GbE LAN
4. Expandable storage and memory options

Cons

1. TOS 5.0 feels unstable and unfinished
2. Poor cooling design restricts CPU and NVMe performance
3. Limited clearance for aftermarket heatsinks
4. Fan replacement is complicated due to the proprietary JST connector

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is a powerful and feature-rich NAS, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from media streaming to software development. However, its thermal limitations hold it back from reaching its full potential. Without proper airflow, users may find themselves needing to throttle performance to maintain reasonable temperatures and noise levels.

TOS 5.0 software issues make the overall experience frustrating, especially for users who rely on stability in VMs, Docker, and backup solutions.

For those comfortable with modding, adding better cooling solutions could unlock its true power. But for users seeking a fully optimized out-of-the-box experience, the combination of poor cooling and unreliable software might be a dealbreaker.

Overall, it's a great NAS if you're willing to work around its cooling and software constraints. With some DIY modifications and careful power management, it remains a solid choice for home labs and advanced users.