The TerraMaster F2-423 2-Bay NAS Enclosure for Storagefrom TerraMaster F2-423 2-Bay NAS Enclosure for Storageis suitable for SMB users who need high-performance storage solutions. It is powered by a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron 4-Core processor, 4GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradeable to 32GB), integrated Intel UHD graphics, AES-NI, and AES 256-bit encryption. It runs using TOS, a Linux-based operating system. This unit has two SATA drive bays that natively support 3.5" hard drives, as well as 2.5" hard drives and SSDs, along with two M.2 NVMe slots for for SSD caching. In a RAID 0 configuration, the F2-423 can transfer data at speeds up to 283 MB/s.

Also featured are two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, which allow it to be connected to external peripherals. Network connectivity is achieved via the two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports with port trunking failover support, which helps to provide redundancy in the case that a LAN connection malfunction occurs on one port. Supported RAID modes include RAID 0 and 1. For those who do not require a RAID, JBOD is also available, allowing each drive bay to be individually utilized.

TerraMaster has engineered the F2-423 to be energy efficient. Not only does it feature an 80mm fan to help keep the system running cool, the server supports numerous scheduled power on / off cycles and hard-drive hibernation to further minimize power consumption and operation expenses. The F2-423 operates using an included external 40W power supply and also includes a power cord, an RJ45 cable, and screws. Protection is provided by a limited 2-year warranty.

2 x 3.5/2.5" SATA Drive Bays    2 x M.2 2280 NVMe Slots    2.0 GHz Intel Celeron 4-Core    4GB of DDR4 RAM    2 x 2.5GbE Ports    2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 | 1 x HDMI    RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and Single    AES-NI & AES 256-Bit Encryption    Windows, Mac, and Linux Compatible

The 2-Bay F2-423 is suitable for SMB users who need high-performance storage solutions. High performance means that users can easily handle high-load workflows, while multiple business-level backup solutions guarantee data safety and safeguard against the risk of data loss.

This is a high-performance storage solution that provides a virtual storage and database service for SMB users. It features a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron Quad-Core processor with a maximum turbo of 2.9 GHz, integrated Intel UHD graphics, and AES-NI hardware encryption. In addition, it is equipped with two 2.5 GbE interfaces and 4GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory that is expandable up to 32GB. Moreover, this storage solution features two M.2 NVMe slots, which accelerate SSD caching and double the storage efficiency of your RAID.

The performance of the F2-423 surpasses that of previous generations, offering a 50% improvement that transforms the handling of high-load workflows. Moreover, is offers a 37% increase in file retrieval speeds, a 35% increase in database response speeds, and a 40% increase in webpage PHP response speeds.

The F2-423 is configured with two 2.5GbE interfaces, supporting a 2.5GbE high-speed network bandwidth with a linear data transmission speed that can reach 283 MB/s in RAID 0. Link Aggregation offers a network bandwidth up to 5 Gb/s, thereby providing a cost-effective solution for multi-user and high-concurrent file access.

With 4K video decoding capability, the F2-423 is compatible with uPnP/DLNA protocol and can stream videos to various multimedia devices including computers, smart phones, media players, and televisions, by using TerraMaster's proprietary Multimedia Server application or one from a third-party to deliver constant, reliable entertainment experiences.

The F2-423 supports various RAID types including Single/RAID 0/1. It offers online capacity expansion and online migration for RAID types. It supports the creation of multiple storage spaces, and Ext 4 or BTRFS file systems can be selected in accordance with various business requirements. When used in conjunction with TerraMaster USB DAS devices, the F2-423 has the ability to flexibly expand storage capacity.

TNAS runs on TOS, a TerraMaster operating system developed based on Linux. Extensive research into the needs of various business users and the resultant continued evolution of multiple TOS generations has enabled it to integrate all-round professional storage management functions including network management, permission management, storage management, and resource monitoring via user-friendly, intuitive, and flat web interfaces. It also provides hundreds of free apps for the app market.

The ability of the F2-423 to support most file services (SMB, AFP, SFTP/FTP, iSCSI, NFS, and WebDAV) enables it to successfully address the across-platform file service needs of different network environments. Moreover, the F2-423 supports Windows AD domain and LDAP, thereby facilitating the incorporation of the existing IT environments of business users and improving management efficiency. The presence of permission management at the level of users, user groups, and file directories means that the F2-423 can satisfy the comprehensive requirements of business users for inter-departmental collaboration and data security.

TOS can protect valuable data using visual user interfaces and trustworthy storage solutions thanks to its integration with multiple backup applications that can address backup needs in an array of circumstances.

Centralized Backup

Backup for servers, virtual machines, employee PCs, and file servers can be initiated at the TNAS end, thus facilitating the rapid restoration of data after incidents.

Duple Backup

In order to provide several offsite backup versions, Duple Backup provides advanced data protection by backing up files to another remote TNAS, file server, or cloud drive.

Snapshot

It is possible to take continuous snapshots of your folders or iSCSI LUNs by enabling the snapshot schedule with the advanced storage technology and optimized snapshot technology available via the BTRFS file system. When problems arise, the system can roll back to points-in-time and restore to the last backup, thereby ensuring that your data is well protected.

CloudSync

This backs up or synchronizes TNAS data with the cloud drive, which not only improves the availability of cloud data, but also provides several offsite backup versions, thus safeguarding the security of your data.

The F2-423 satisfies virtualized application needs and provides additional functionality within one device with the use of professional virtualized apps, including VirtualBox and Docker, and by cooperating with Docker-compose and Portainer. This lowers the cost of corporate investment in IT.

Increased cyberattacks mean that the security system of network devices must address considerable challenges. TOS enables various systematic safeguards, such as pam identity authentication, AES 256-bit encryption, automatic account lockout, anti-DoS attack, and firewall. Hence, it effectively reduces the risks of malicious attacks on your devices.

TNAS allows business users to easily build file servers, mail servers, web servers, FTP servers, MySQL databases, CRM, Node.js, Java VMs, and many other services, thereby satisfying the commercial requirement of various SMBs in such fields as education, consulting, finance, scientific research, and law.

TerraMaster offers a unique after-sales-service policy that provides replacements for 2 years and offers worry-free quality assurance through real-time online customer service, a professional technical forum, an online user guide, a technical service mailbox, and remote troubleshooting.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I am deciding between this unit and OWC Thunderbay 8 bay Raid. I need a fast/reliable HD array for video editing, not NAS?

A: For an 8-bay RAID that's directly accessed rather than network-accessed, I recommend the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Raid Array with SoftRAID XT (B&H # OWTB38SRKIT0, https://bhpho.to/3nyXhCJ) over the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS Enclosure (B&H # SYDS1821P, https://bhpho.to/3nGCSLT). The OWC model has faster Thunderbolt 3 ports to plug in and access directly from your computer, while the Synology is designed as a network-based backup solution.

Q: 2. Can this handle two (2) 8gb ram upgrades? For a total of 16gb?

A: The Asustor AS5304T 4-Bay NAS Enclosure BH #AS5304T supports up to 8GB of RAM.

Q: 3. I bought this NAS 6 months ago and now is full, can I add another one and link them to work like a big raid ?

A: Yes! You can connect an expansion unit like B&H # QNTR004US if you wish to expand the capacity of your QNAP TVS-672XT 6-Bay NAS Enclosure.

Q: 4. I'm on a budget but want to build up my NAS. Can I start with two drives and add the other two drives later?

A: In some cases you can add drives to a existing NAS, but it typically depends on the RAID type.

Q: 5. Does this have Hardware Encryption engine? Also will the Plex will work comfortably when streaming?

A: Yes. This Synology DiskStation DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS Enclosure, would have Hardware encryption engine (AES-NI). Plex would work great for streaming,

Q: 6. Why would you need a M.2 2280 NVMe SSD Slot on a NAS? What are good use cases for this feature?

A: The M.2 2280 slot on the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS Enclosure allows for the NAS to have a sizeable cache to store frequently accessed files. This cache allows for the unit to utilize a read/write buffer to greatly increase the performance of the system.

Q: 7. Can 10gb Ethernet card and nvme drives be installed simultaneously?

A: As The Synology DiskStation DS1621+ has only one PCIE expansion port, you would have to choose between either M.2 NVMe support or 10GBe Ethernet.

Q: 8. Can I connect this directly to a computer via USB without using the Ethernet ports?

A: The Synology DiskStation DS1621+ 6-Bay NAS Enclosure can only connect to a computer via ethernet.

Q: 9. Hello, is this a reliable and fast solution for 2 to 4 clients sharing 4k prores video files ? all on fcpx thx

A: No, it is not recommended to edit from. You need a NAS with Thunderbolt 3.Here is an example: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1446234-REG/qnap_tvs_472xt_pt_4g_us_tvs_472xt_ultra_high_speed_4_bay.html

Q: 10. Will this allow me to grant family or whatever access to a specific folder based on a link I provide them to it using my dns?

A: Yes the Synology DiskStation DS423 4-Bay NAS Enclosure does allow it's owner to share/manage privileges of it's folders and files with other people.