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The TerraMaster D4 SSD is a compact direct-attached storage (DAS) system providing high-speed connectivity through USB4 and help for 4 M.2 NVMe drives. Designed to attraction to content material creators, professionals working with massive media information, and energy customers in search of versatile, quick exterior storage, this enclosure permits as much as 32TB of uncooked capability utilizing 4 8TB drives. In contrast to conventional 3.5” or 2.5” drive enclosures, the D4 SSD leverages the pace and compactness of PCIe-based NVMe SSDs, with efficiency figures that may rival inside storage setups when used optimally.
Whereas this isn’t significantly low-cost, it’s clearly focused at customers requiring high-performance exterior storage who’re probably keen to pay for premium-priced merchandise.
Associated Evaluations
Specification
| Specification | TerraMaster D4 SSD |
| Storage | |
| Disk Slot Quantity | 4 |
| Suitable Disk Varieties | PCIe NVMe M.2 2280 SSD |
| File System | NTFS, APFS, Mac OS, FAT32, EXT4, exFAT |
| Most Inside Uncooked Capability | 32 TB (8TB SSD * 4) |
| RAIDs Supported | SINGLE DISK |
| USB | USB4 40Gbps |
| Studying/writing Velocity (max.) | |
| Studying Velocity (max.) | 3257 MB/s (Samsung 990 Professional 4TB*4_RAID0); 1600MB/s (Samsung 990 Professional 4TB*1) |
| Writing Velocity (max.) | 3192 MB/s (Samsung 990 Professional 4TB*4_RAID0); 1500MB/s (Samsung 990 Professional 4TB*1) |
| Look | |
| Measurement (H*W*D) | 138 x 60 x 140 mm |
| Packaging Measurement (H*W*D) | 185 x 172 x 152 mm |
| Weight | internet weight: 392g, Gross Weight: 891g |
| Others | |
| System fan | 50 x 50 x 10mm 2PCS |
| Fan mode | Good |
| Noise Stage | 19.0 dB(A) (Utilizing M.2 SSDs in standby mode; Take a look at atmosphere noise: 17.3dB(A); Take a look at distance: 1m) |
| Energy Provide | |
| Energy Provide | 24 W |
| AC Enter Voltage | 100V to 240V AC |
| Present Frequency | 50/60 Hz, Single Part |
| Energy Consumption | 15.0 W (Totally loaded Seagate 2TB M.2 SSDs in learn/write state) |
| 6.0 W (Totally loaded Seagate 2TB M.2 SSDs in hibernation) | |
| Different | |
| Supported OS | Mac OS、Home windows 11(24H2 or later model) |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
| Bundle Contents: | Host unit (x1) |
| USB4 Cable C to C 0.8m (x1) | |
| Fast Set up Information (x1) | |
| Energy adapter (x1) | |
| Screws (a number of) | |
| Restricted Guarantee Be aware (x1) |
Unboxing / Design
The TerraMaster D4 SSD arrives in primary packaging like all TerraMaster merchandise and accommodates the necessities: the enclosure itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable measuring 0.8 metres, an influence adapter, set up screws, and primary documentation.
The entrance panel stays fully clear aside from a small D4 SSD label, with air flow grilles masking the highest floor. The rear homes the USB4 port, energy enter, and a single thumb screw for accessing the inside.
With out utilizing this system, my primary criticism can be the usage of a DC barrel port for energy. The ability provide is barely 24W, and the spec sheet says the standard energy consumption of a completely populated enclosure is simply 15W. It appears silly to not permit this to be powered through USB. Ideally, a 2nd USB-C port particularly for energy (in case your PC/laptop computer can’t provide sufficient energy) or, on the very least, let you drive the enclosure through the one USB-C port after which the barrel port for gadgets that may’t present sufficient energy.
Set Up / Set up
So far as setting this up goes, it couldn’t be less complicated. The enclosure has a thumb screw to launch the housing, and TerraMaster features a small screwdriver for the M.2 retaining screws.
The M.2 set up course of follows commonplace procedures: take away the mounting screw, insert the drive at an angle, press down, and safe with the screw. The enclosure accommodates solely 2280-format drives, which covers the overwhelming majority of client NVMe SSDs. Further mounting factors recommend compatibility with shorter drives, although 2280 stays the usual.
In contrast to a number of the TerraMaster enclosures, this one lacks any built-in RAID performance. So, the drives will probably be picked up individually.
Home windows customers can create striped or spanned volumes via Disk Administration, successfully offering RAID 0 or JBOD performance. macOS customers can obtain comparable outcomes via Disk Utility’s RAID assistant. Another RAID resolution is SoftRAID from OWC.
Another method to make use of this enclosure is with a TerraMaster NAS the place it’s potential to create full storage swimming pools in TOS 6 related over USB, nonetheless I’ve not examined this.
Efficiency
One of many interesting issues about this enclosure is that I can use outdated NVMe drives I’ve mendacity round for extra quick backup storage. For my preliminary testing, I used an outdated 1TB Samsung NVMe SSD and a Goodram 1TB IRDM M.2 NVMe SSD. Contemplating this enclosure prices £280 and NVMe drives are comparatively cheap these days, that is in all probability not probably the most cost-efficient method to make use of outdated drives.
The ASMedia ASM2464PDX controller supplies the muse for the D4 SSD’s efficiency, providing PCIe 4.0 x1 connectivity to every M.2 slot. This configuration supplies a theoretical most of 2GB/s per slot, although real-world efficiency relies upon closely on the put in SSDs and configuration chosen.
Preliminary testing with the Samsung 1TB NVMe SSD achieved learn speeds of 903MB/s and write speeds of 872MB/s when related to a 10Gbps USB port. Shifting to a USB4-equipped laptop computer dramatically improved outcomes, with single drive efficiency reaching 1567MB/s learn speeds.
The efficiency transformation turns into extra obvious when utilizing a number of drives in a striped configuration. Testing with two drives achieved mixed speeds of 3002MB/s, approaching the theoretical most for the USB4 interface. This represents glorious utilisation of accessible bandwidth and demonstrates the enclosure’s potential to combination particular person drive efficiency successfully.
Temperature administration proves ample throughout prolonged testing, with the twin followers sustaining cheap working temperatures even beneath sustained load. The followers function quietly sufficient to keep away from distraction in typical workplace environments, beneath mild load, I needed to place my ear subsequent to the air vents to listen to it correctly, my desktop PC followers simply drowned out the noise from this enclosure. Below heavy load, they could change into extra noticeable.
Actual-world file switch testing revealed constant efficiency throughout totally different situations. Giant file copies maintained regular switch charges, while combined workloads confirmed the anticipated variability. The USB4 interface proved secure all through testing, with no connection drops or stability points encountered.
Software program and Compatibility
The D4 SSD’s software-agnostic method proves each a energy and limitation. By avoiding proprietary RAID implementations, it maintains broad compatibility throughout totally different working programs and use circumstances. Home windows customers can leverage built-in Disk Administration instruments for primary RAID performance, while macOS customers have comparable capabilities via Disk Utility.
Nonetheless, this method additionally means lacking some conveniences discovered in additional built-in options. There’s no devoted administration software program for monitoring drive well being, efficiency metrics, or thermal situations. Customers should depend on third-party instruments or working system utilities for such info.
TerraMaster does present TPC Backupper software program, although this proves to be a rebranded model of AOMEI Backupper with persistent improve prompts. The backup performance works adequately however lacks the polish anticipated from a premium storage resolution. The software program’s web-based activation course of and subsequent upselling makes an attempt really feel unnecessarily industrial.
Worth and Different Choices
The TerraMaster D4 SSD has an RRP of £280
In addition they have the D1 SSD Plus, which is a single drive USB4 40Gbps enclosure for £110
There may be additionally the D5 and D8 Hybrid, which mix 3.5” drives with NVMe. The D5 is 2+3 for £210 whereas the D8 is 2+6 for £300. The draw back is that these are restricted to USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Sort C.
Single-drive USB4 enclosures usually have an RRP from round £100, although some random manufacturers on Amazon have them for as little as £60.
Competing choices appear to be restricted to Thunderbolt 3. In concept, you could possibly obtain the complete throughput with USB4, as that is based mostly on the TB3 spec, however it’s depending on whether or not the USB4 port helps TB3.
OWC has the Specific 4M2, which is out there for round £220 and not using a licence for SoftRaid or £330 with a licence. That is TB3 and has the benefit of twin TB3 ports for daisy chaining and a DisplayPort
StarTech.com has a 4 Bay Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) NVMe Enclosure priced at £350
General
The TerraMaster D4 SSD is a glorious and well-built enclosure designed for customers who want quick, moveable, multi-drive storage and who’ve programs able to utilising USB4 to its full potential. Its modular design, passive and energetic cooling, and easy setup course of make it straightforward to advocate for professionals dealing with massive media information or managing a number of undertaking drives.
Whereas I really feel just like the £280 is a bit costly, there’s probably not something competing with this instantly, and competing TB3 based mostly enclosures are at an analogous worth level.
Nonetheless, the choice to require exterior energy limits portability unnecessarily, significantly given the modest energy necessities. The dearth of {hardware} RAID performance restricts compatibility with third-party NAS gadgets.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a multi-bay NVMe enclosure and already personal a number of spare drives — or need the flexibleness to swap them out repeatedly — the TerraMaster D4 SSD performs nicely and stays one of many few USB4 enclosures on this class.
TerraMaster D4 SSD assessment – 4 Bay NVMe USB4 Enclosure
Abstract
The TerraMaster D4 SSD represents a well-engineered resolution for customers requiring high-performance exterior storage, significantly these working with massive media information or managing a number of undertaking drives. Its USB4 connectivity and four-bay NVMe configuration ship spectacular throughput figures, with striped configurations attaining speeds that method inside storage efficiency.
Execs
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Wonderful Efficiency: Helps as much as ~3200 MB/s learn/write in RAID 0 configurations utilizing USB4.
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USB4 Compatibility: Permits for a lot larger bandwidth than typical USB 3.2 Gen 2 enclosures.
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Excessive Capability: Helps as much as 32TB utilizing 4 8TB NVMe drives.
Cons
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Requires Exterior Energy: Regardless of modest energy necessities, it makes use of a 24W barrel plug adapter as a substitute of permitting USB-C energy supply.
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No {Hardware} RAID: Depends totally on OS-based or third-party RAID, which can scale back compatibility with some NAS or storage options.
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Enthusiastic about all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good residence gadgets.
As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits permit me to carry a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Programs Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the expertise curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.
Final replace on 2025-07-24 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API
