TerraMaster F2-212 NAS Review – A Entry Level NAS with a Quad-Core ARM chipset & 1GB DDR4 RAM

The TerraMaster F2-212 is a 2-bay Community Connected Storage (NAS) gadget aimed toward residence customers and small places of work searching for an reasonably priced entry into the world of community storage.

The F2-212 is the successor to the wonderful TerraMaster F2-210, which I reviewed again in 2020.

The F2-212 is constructed round a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 1.7GHz. This chip is paired with 1GB of DDR4 RAM, which is non-upgradable. The gadget helps two 3.5-inch SATA HDDs, 2.5-inch SATA HDDs, or 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, providing flexibility in storage choices.

Connectivity is supplied by a single Gigabit Ethernet port, one USB 2.0 port, and one USB 3.0 port. The F2-212 helps varied RAID configurations, together with RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and Single disk modes, in addition to TerraMaster’s proprietary TRAID know-how.

The NAS runs on TerraMaster’s TOS 5 working system and helps each Btrfs and EXT4 file methods.

Associated Evaluations

Specification

TerraMaster F2-212 vs TerraMaster F2-210 NAS Specification Comparability

The F2-212 gives a number of enhancements over its predecessor, the F2-210:

• Extra highly effective processor: The F2-212 has a sooner 1.7GHz quad-core CPU in comparison with the 1.4GHz CPU within the F2-210.
• Improved multimedia capabilities: The F2-212 options 4K video {hardware} decoding, making it higher fitted to residence multimedia centres.
• Increased most capability: The F2-212 helps as much as 22TB drives, permitting for a complete capability of 44TB, in comparison with the F2-210’s 32TB most.
• SSD caching help: The F2-212 permits for SSD caching, which may enhance efficiency for regularly accessed information.
• 2.5GbE improve possibility: The F2-212 might be upgraded to 2.5GbE networking through a USB adapter, probably doubling switch speeds.
• Up to date design: The F2-212 contains a new black minimalist design, departing from the silver aluminium tube design of the F2-210.
• Newer working system: The F2-212 runs on TOS 5.1, whereas the F2-210 makes use of the older TOS 4.2.

Total, the F2-212 gives higher efficiency, greater capability, and extra flexibility for future upgrades in comparison with the F2-210, making it a extra succesful entry-level NAS for residence customers and small places of work.

TerraMaster F2-212 vs Synology DiskStation DS223j NAS Comparability

Once I reviewed the TerraMaster F2-210, I in contrast it to the Synology DS220j, which is the closest competing possibility from Synology.

The TerraMaster F2-212 is best than the F2-210, and due to this fact, the F2-212 {hardware} simply outshines the Synology, however the TOS is inferior to Synology DSM.

Right here’s how they examine:

• Processor: Each use quad-core ARM processors, with the F2-212’s chip clocked barely greater at 1.7GHz vs 1.4GHz for the DS223j.
• RAM: Each have 1GB of DDR4 RAM, which is non-upgradable.
• Connectivity: Related, with one Gigabit Ethernet port every.
• Working System: Synology’s DSM is usually thought of extra polished and feature-rich than TerraMaster’s TOS.
• App Ecosystem: Synology gives a considerably bigger collection of first-party and third-party apps.
• Value: The F2-212 is often priced barely decrease than the DS223j.

Whereas the {hardware} specs are comparable, Synology’s extra mature software program ecosystem and polished person expertise might justify its barely greater value for some customers. Nevertheless, the TerraMaster F2-212 gives good worth for these prioritising {hardware} efficiency over software program options.

Unboxing / Design

The TerraMaster F2-212 has a brand new black chassis compared to the silver of the older fashions.

The entrance panel homes two tool-less drive bays, making drive set up and substitute easy. For 3.5” drives, there are two rails which have clips for the holes on the facet of the drive. Nevertheless, with 2.5” drives, you’ll need to make use of screws.

LED indicators for energy, community exercise, and drive standing are clearly seen on the entrance.

The rear of the gadget hosts the Gigabit Ethernet port, USB ports, energy enter, and a small cooling fan. The general construct high quality is stable, with the metallic development offering sturdiness and aiding in warmth dissipation.

With this being an reasonably priced NAS, there aren’t any M.2 slots of NVME drives. It is usually value noting that it’s doable to make use of a USB community adaptor, so you could possibly improve this with an reasonably priced 2.5GbE USB adaptor for superior throughput.

Set up / Set-Up

Establishing the F2-212 is easy. After putting in the drives, customers join the NAS to their community and energy it on. The preliminary setup is accomplished by TerraMaster’s web-based interface, which guides customers by making a RAID array, organising person accounts, and configuring fundamental settings.

The setup wizard is user-friendly, making it accessible for these new to NAS gadgets. Nevertheless, extra superior customers would possibly discover the method a bit simplistic and should choose to dive immediately into the total administration interface.

This NAS helps SSD cache and what TerraMaster calls Hyper Cache. Nevertheless, as this can be a 2-drive NAS with no M.2 slots and restricted processing energy, I believe utilizing a cache drive could be a nasty concept. You’d be higher off utilizing two matching drives and working them in RAID 1 for redundancy, or in the event you wish to dwell life dangerously, then RAID 0 for superior efficiency and elevated storage capability.

TerraMaster TOS 5.1 Person Interface and Options

The F2-212 runs on TerraMaster’s TOS 5.1, which gives a clear and intuitive interface. The working system supplies a spread of options appropriate for residence and small workplace use, together with:

• File sharing and synchronisation
• Backup options (together with Apple Time Machine help)
• Media streaming capabilities
• Docker help
• Internet server performance
• Obtain administration

• Mail Server
• DLNA Media Server
• Snapshot Assist

The person interface is well-organised, with a desktop-like atmosphere that needs to be acquainted to most customers. Navigation is logical, with settings and options grouped into related classes.

Whereas TOS 5.1 gives a stable function set, it lacks a number of the extra superior capabilities present in competing NAS working methods like Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS. This will not be a difficulty for a lot of residence customers however may very well be a limitation for extra demanding environments.

TerraMaster TOS App Middle

The official TOS app centre has simply 42 functions out there to put in. It has many of the vital issues, however it’s a great distance behind the 100+ apps out there for Synology NAS gadgets.

1. AOMEI Backupper (Backup) – TPC Backupper is a Home windows PC backup software program customised by TerraMaster.
2. Duple Backup Vault (Backup) – A server-side utility that works with the Duple Backup server.
3. Apache Tomcat – Open supply implementation of Java Servlet and JavaServer Pages.
4. Aria2 (Utilities) – A light-weight multi-protocol and multi-source command-line obtain utility.
5. CloudSync (Backup) – Cloud drive synchronisation utility for speedy and safe information synchronisation.
6. Duple Backup – Catastrophe restoration device with backup and restore capabilities to reinforce information safety.
7. FreshRSS (Utilities) – Self-hosted RSS feed aggregator.
8. HsKDDNS (Utilities) – Dynamic area title decision software program.
9. Joomla! (Utilities) – Award-winning content material administration system for constructing web sites.
10. Lua (Improvement instruments) – Highly effective, environment friendly, light-weight, embeddable scripting language.
11. MantisBT (Utilities) – Well-liked open-source web-based bug monitoring system.
12. Multimedia Server (Multimedia) – Turns TNAS right into a multimedia service centre.
13. MyBB (Utilities) – Free and open supply, community-based discussion board software program.
14. MyWebSQL – Subsequent-generation web-based utility for database administration over the net.
15. Portainer (Utilities) – Container administration device for Kubernetes, Docker, and so on.
16. Ruby (Improvement instruments) – Dynamic, open-source programming language.
17. Snapshot (Backup) – BTRFS file system-based catastrophe restoration device.
18. Surveillance Supervisor (Utilities) – Video surveillance administration device.
19. TFM Backup (Backup) – Devoted backup device for TNAS shared folders.
20. USB Copy (Backup) – Knowledge backup by USB gadgets for catastrophe restoration.
21. VPN Server (Utilities) – Easy and easy-to-use VPN answer.
22. Docker Supervisor (Utilities) – Docker administration device with a graphical interface.
23. e107_cms (Utilities) – Free, open-source content material administration system.
24. elFinder (Utilities) – Open-source file supervisor for net.
25. ElephantDrive (Utilities) – Backup information to safe cloud.
26. Emby Server (Multimedia) – Private media server with apps for nearly each gadget.
27. Go (Improvement instruments) – Open-source, statically typed programming language.
28. ISCSI Supervisor (Utilities) – Virtualized prolonged storage supervisor.
29. Java Digital Machine (Improvement instruments) – Object-oriented programming language.
30. MariaDB (Utilities) – Well-liked open-source relational database.
31. MongoDB (Improvement instruments) – Cross-platform document-oriented database program.
32. phpBB (Utilities) – Free open-source bulletin board software program.
33. phpMyAdmin (Utilities) – Free software program device written in PHP for managing MySQL.
34. pip (Improvement instruments) – Python add-on module.
35. Plex Media Server (Multimedia) – Organises all private media for streaming.
36. Terra Images (Multimedia) – Clever photograph administration.
37. Transmission (Utilities) – Utility for obtain administration.
38. VirtualHere (Utilities) – Permits USB gadgets related to TNAS for use remotely.
39. Internet Server (Utilities) – Construct TNAS as a web site server with a number of digital hosts.
40. WordPress (Utilities) – Weblog platform utilizing PHP language.
41. Node.js (Improvement instruments) – JavaScript runtime constructed on Chrome’s V8 engine.
42. iTunes Server (Utilities) – Utility based mostly on Apple DAAP for sharing iTunes library.

TerraMaster TOS Neighborhood Apps

TerraMaster additionally has a piece for neighborhood apps, which expands the out there apps. I hoped this could work a bit just like the neighborhood apps out there on Unraid, however sadly not.

With the TerraMaster neighborhood apps, you get redirected to a web site the place you possibly can obtain the TPK information and manually set up them inside TOS.

That’s a gentle inconvenience compared to putting in them and updating them from inside TOS. Sadly, the web site internet hosting the apps has a ridiculous membership system. You may obtain two neighborhood apps each 48 hours, or it’s important to pay for a membership, which prices €9.00 / month or €49.00 / 12 months, which is totally galling. I can’t think about many individuals keen to pay €49.00 / 12 months to obtain apps for his or her NAS.

There are additionally very restricted app choices for the ARM-based TerraMaster gadgets, however if in case you have an x86-based NAS, then there are some well-liked apps value getting, together with Sonarr, Radarr, Sabnzbd and House Assistant.

Docker

A substitute for the TOS apps and neighborhood apps is Docker. If you happen to set up the Docker Supervisor, you possibly can then set up Docker containers with tons of of choices.

Establishing containers isn’t as straightforward because the native apps, and I had a couple of points with launching a container failing, however it’s the most suitable choice you’ve gotten for any functions you want that could be lacking from the opposite choices.

Efficiency / In Use

The F2-212’s Realtek RTD1619B processor and 1GB of RAM present sufficient efficiency for fundamental NAS duties. File transfers over the Gigabit Ethernet connection are fairly fast, with learn and write speeds that ought to fulfill most residence customers.

For file sharing and fundamental media streaming, the F2-212 performs effectively. It may possibly deal with a number of simultaneous connections with out vital slowdowns, making it appropriate for small households or places of work.

Nevertheless, the restricted RAM might turn out to be a bottleneck when working a number of apps or dealing with extra intensive duties. Customers planning to utilise Docker containers or run memory-intensive functions might discover the 1GB of non-upgradable RAM restrictive.

File Switch All through

Prior to now, after I used reasonably priced ARM-based NAS gadgets, I discovered them fairly sluggish for many capabilities with restricted obtain speeds and file transfers.

I did a couple of exams to verify the throughput for this NAS and was pleasantly shocked. Transferring a big file to the 10GB Western Digital drive I had put in, I used to be capable of obtain a throughput of as much as 75MB/s. That’s not fairly saturating the gigabit NIC, however it’s a suitable velocity.

Downloading Content material with BitTorrent

Much like the file switch take a look at, I needed to see how briskly the NAS can obtain information contemplating the ARM chipset.

I put in the qBitTorrent app from the neighborhood apps and downloaded a Ubuntu ISO the place I used to be once more capable of hit a throughput of as much as 75MB/s, which I believe is great for a tool like this.

Plex Media Server / Media Streaming

The F2-212 helps well-liked media streaming protocols like DLNA and might run Plex Media Server. For direct play of media information, the NAS performs effectively, simply dealing with 1080p content material and a few 4K information.

Plex transcoding efficiency is restricted because of the ARM processor. Whereas the F2-212 can deal with some mild transcoding duties, customers planning to make use of Plex extensively, particularly with 4K content material or a number of simultaneous streams, might wish to contemplate extra highly effective alternate options.

Energy Consumption / Noise

The F2-212 is comparatively energy-efficient, consuming about 10.4W when idle and 21.1W throughout disk entry. This low energy consumption makes it appropriate for twenty-four/7 operation with out considerably impacting electrical energy payments.

Noise ranges are typically low, due to the small, temperature-controlled fan. Underneath regular operation, the NAS stays quiet sufficient to be used in residing areas or residence places of work. Nevertheless, throughout intensive disk exercise or in hotter environments, the fan noise might turn out to be extra noticeable.

Value and Various Choices

The TerraMaster F2-212 is accessible from Amazon for £170.

The four-bay 2GB DDR4 F4-212 variant is £300.

The older TerraMaster F2-210 2-bay NAS is £150.

The Synology DS223J is the one Synology mannequin near the identical value level with an RRP of £190.

Verdict

The TerraMaster F2-212 is a good entry-level NAS that gives good worth for residence customers and small places of work with fundamental community storage wants. Its quad-core ARM processor and help for contemporary file methods like Btrfs present a sufficient efficiency for file sharing, backups, and fundamental media streaming.

The gadget’s strengths lie in its reasonably priced pricing, first rate construct high quality, and simple setup course of, quiet operation and low working prices. It performs effectively for on a regular basis duties like file sharing and direct media playback, making it a good selection for customers new to NAS gadgets or these with modest necessities.

Nevertheless, the F2-212 has limitations. The non-upgradable 1GB of RAM might prohibit efficiency in additional demanding eventualities, and the app ecosystem, whereas practical, lacks the breadth and depth supplied by some opponents. The TOS working system, whereas improved in model 5.1, nonetheless trails behind extra established NAS platforms when it comes to options and polish.

For customers prioritising {hardware} specs and worth, the TerraMaster F2-212 presents an interesting possibility compared to Synology and different manufacturers. Nevertheless, these needing a extra complete software program ecosystem or planning to run a number of demanding functions would possibly discover the extra funding in a extra established model worthwhile.

Total, as at all times for TerraMaster, the F2-212 {hardware} is the very best worth for cash available on the market making this a lovely possibility for anybody on a price range.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Captivated with all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good residence gadgets.

As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits enable me to deliver a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the most recent tech tendencies.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Techniques 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 know-how curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.

Final replace on 2024-07-18 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API