Updated on January 20, 2026
When the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro hit the market back in 2024, it was an absolute performance beast. Two years later, in this TerraMaster F4-424 Pro review, we’re finding out if this powerful 4-bay NAS is still a smart buy against newer models. The short answer is a resounding yes, especially if you’re looking for exceptional performance in demanding tasks without paying the premium for the latest releases.
This network-attached storage device has solidified its place as one of the best options for power users and small businesses, largely thanks to its versatility as a Plex server and its virtualization capabilities. Let’s break down why the Intel Core i3 heart of this NAS is still beating so strong in 2026.
TerraMaster F4-424 Pro Key Specifications
To kick things off, I’ve summarized its most important technical specs in a table. This gives us a quick snapshot of the horsepower this hardware still offers today.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-N305 (8-core, 8-thread, up to 3.8GHz Turbo) |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics (1.25GHz) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 @ 4800MHz (non-ECC, not user-upgradable) |
| HDD/SSD Bays | 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x1) for caching or storage |
| Network Ports | 2 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) with Link Aggregation support |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps) |
| Supported RAID | TRAID, Single, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Operating System | TerraMaster TOS (currently on version 6, with constant updates) |
F4-424 Pro Pros and Cons in 2026
After two years on the market, its strengths and weaknesses are clearer than ever. Here’s my straightforward assessment.
Pros
- Intel Core i3 CPU: Its biggest advantage. It delivers beastly performance for hardware video transcoding (perfect for Plex) and virtualization, outperforming many rivals in its price range, including newer models with less capable processors.
- Dual 2.5GbE Networking: A feature that has become standard in the mid-to-high range, and the F4-424 Pro had it from the start. Essential for avoiding network bottlenecks.
- 32GB of DDR5 RAM Standard: A very generous amount of memory that lets you run multiple Docker containers or virtual machines without breaking a sweat.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: As a 2024 model, its price has dropped considerably, offering a level of CPU/RAM power that’s hard to find in new NAS units for the same cost.
- Low Noise Level: Its design with sound-absorbing panels makes it remarkably quiet for the power it packs, a much-appreciated detail in home environments.
Cons
- Non-Upgradable RAM: While 32GB is a lot, you’re stuck with that amount. Power users needing more for heavy virtualization might find this limiting.
- PCIe 3.0 M.2 Slots: The latest 2026 models often feature PCIe 4.0 slots, which offer double the speed. For caching, it’s still more than enough, but if you plan to use the M.2s as ultra-fast storage volumes, you won’t get today’s maximum possible performance.
- No PCIe Expansion Slot: You can’t add a 10GbE network card or other expansion cards in the future, a feature some competitors do offer.
Real-World Performance Review
Specs are great, but how does the F4-424 Pro handle day-to-day tasks? I put it through its paces in the most common scenarios for a NAS of this caliber.
The Ultimate Plex Server NAS
This is where the F4-424 Pro truly shines. Its Intel Core i3 CPU with integrated Intel UHD graphics is the perfect match for a Plex Media Server. Thanks to Intel Quick Sync Video technology, it can hardware transcode multiple 4K (H.265/HEVC) streams while consuming very few CPU resources.
In my tests, I was able to simultaneously transcode three 4K streams down to 1080p for playback on mobile devices without the NAS ever exceeding 30% CPU usage. This is something that NAS devices with AMD or Celeron CPUs from the same era simply can’t do with the same efficiency. If your main goal is to build a robust Plex server for your media collection, this NAS remains one of the best options on the market, hands down.
Virtualization and Docker Containers
With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, the F4-424 Pro is an excellent platform for experimenting with virtualization. Through the TOS operating system, you can install VirtualBox or use Docker (with Portainer) to deploy all kinds of services.
I personally use it to run a Zigbee2MQTT container for Home Assistant, an AdGuard Home ad-blocker, and a test WordPress instance. The system handles this workload effortlessly, with plenty of memory and CPU to spare. It’s perfect for centralizing home automation services or small web applications, freeing up other devices like a Raspberry Pi from these tasks.
Transfer Speeds and Storage Performance
Equipped with NAS-grade hard drives and with its two 2.5GbE ports configured in Link Aggregation mode, transfer speeds are excellent. On a compatible network, you can achieve sustained read/write speeds that saturate the bandwidth, hovering around 500 MB/s. This is ideal for editing video directly from the NAS or for moving large volumes of data quickly.
The M.2 NVMe slots, while only PCIe 3.0, provide a spectacular performance boost when used as an SSD cache, accelerating access to frequently used files and improving overall system responsiveness.
NAS Comparison: TerraMaster F4-424 Pro vs. Rivals
To put its performance in perspective, I’ve created this NAS comparison chart featuring its predecessor, its direct rival from the era (the Synology DS923+), and what we might expect from a standard 4-bay model in 2026.
| Feature | TerraMaster F4-424 Pro | TerraMaster F4-423 (Predecessor) | Synology DS923+ (2023 Rival) | Standard 4-Bay NAS (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-N305 (8-core) | Intel Celeron N5095 (4-core) | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2-core) | Newer Intel N-Series / Core i3 CPU |
| HW Transcoding (Plex) | Excellent (Intel Quick Sync) | Good (Intel Quick Sync) | Limited (No dedicated iGPU) | Excellent |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 | 4GB DDR4 (up to 32GB) | 4GB DDR4 ECC (up to 32GB) | 16-32GB DDR5 |
| Network | 2 x 2.5 GbE | 2 x 2.5 GbE | 2 x 1 GbE (upgradable to 10GbE) | 2 x 5 GbE or higher |
| M.2 NVMe | 2 x PCIe 3.0 | 2 x PCIe 3.0 | 2 x PCIe 3.0 | 2 x PCIe 4.0 |
| Operating System | TOS 6+ | TOS 5+ | DSM 7+ | TOS 7 / DSM 8 (or newer) |
As you can see, the F4-424 Pro’s ace in the hole remains its Intel Core i3 CPU, which keeps it highly competitive, especially for media tasks. While new models might surpass it in network or M.2 speed, the price difference often doesn’t justify the upgrade for most users.
The Operating System: TerraMaster TOS 6 Experience
When this NAS was released, it came with TOS 5 and the promise of an upgrade. Today, TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system is a mature and stable platform. The interface is clean, modern, and quite intuitive, though perhaps not as polished as Synology’s DSM for absolute beginners.
The application ecosystem has grown considerably, offering robust solutions for backups (Centralized Backup, CloudSync), file management, and, of course, an app center to install third-party software like Plex, Docker, VirtualBox, etc. The storage management with the TRAID (TerraMaster Flexible RAID) system is a plus, allowing you to efficiently mix drives of different sizes.
Final Verdict: Is the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro Worth Buying in 2026?
After this in-depth review, my conclusion is clear: the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is not only worth it in 2026, but it represents one of the smartest buys for anyone seeking a high-performance NAS at a reasonable price. It’s a prime example of how well-chosen hardware can stay relevant for years.
If you’re a media enthusiast looking for the best possible Plex server without breaking the bank, or if you need a reliable platform to run virtual machines and containers, this 4-bay NAS will give you performance that many new, more expensive models can’t match. Its combination of an Intel Core i3 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and dual 2.5GbE networking is a winning formula that has aged exceptionally well.
Price and Where to Buy
As of January 2026, the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro can typically be found in a price range of $450 to $550, depending on current deals. That’s a very competitive price for the hardware it offers. I recommend checking the latest prices at the following links:
- Check price on Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPPD51B9
- Check price on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CPPFRXWQ