I’ve always been interested in setting up my own NAS server. Dedicated NAS servers have many uses and advantages as opposed to standalone hard drives. NAS is not a cheap investment, but TerraMaster aims to change that with its new F8 Plus SSD NAS.
When I first started researching NAS servers, I primarily looked at them as a solution for storing and backing up my image collections. Undoubtedly, this is a very viable solution for long-term storage of dozens of terabyte files. However, with fast Internet connections now available in many homes, network-attached storage has become much more than that. It can act as a real-time backup solution, a quickly accessible editing drive that you don’t need to carry around with you, and much more.
I’ve been a Mac user for the longest time. Although there are many great things about the MacBook, there is one big downside: storage. It’s not that you can’t add storage to a MacBook; The thing is, as soon as you start adding storage, the price skyrockets. Nowhere is this more evident than in the price of the Mac mini, starting at $599 for the base model and an additional $800 for 2TB of storage. enough said.
Because of this storage problem, I have historically relied on a fleet of external SSD drives. With 512GB of storage on my Mac, I can’t really handle a large production and save it on the internal drive. Of course, the problem is that sometimes those SSDs get left behind and don’t make it to the set. If production runs for several days, this becomes a real issue. This can be managed with photos, but as soon as you get into videos, the storage demands skyrocket. Being able to store files remotely is a huge benefit for photographers.
Another benefit of storing files remotely is working with a team. There has never been a shoot in my memory in which a team was not involved. Sometimes the deadlines are so tight that the retoucher has to start editing the images as soon as they are shot. The ability to instantly access an entire library of raw files is a huge advantage in terms of how quickly you can distribute files. For example, I recently did a shoot with a three-day turnaround – mind you, taking into account high-end retouching and corrections. It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. Being able to share files instantly allowed the reformer to meet tight deadlines.
The reason for choosing an SSD-based NAS server instead of an HDD-based is simple: speed. I knew I would be using my NAS as a work drive of sorts. This will either be my backup solution on set or my main drive when needed. Some other requirements included compact footprint and low noise levels.
After searching online for solutions, the TerraMaster F8 Plus SSD caught my eye as a cost-efficient option. It balances price, upgradeability, efficiency and compactness.
build quality
TerraMaster F8 Plus SSD Ships in a fairly small, simple box that contains the device, a few tools, assembly components, cables, and manual. This device is made of good plastic and has two rubber feet on the bottom for ventilation. Overall, it’s no larger than a standard book, coming in at 177x160x140mm – a convenient size for most tables. There are vents on the top and bottom to aid cooling. My unit has been largely quiet, rarely needing to rev up to full rpm. On the back are a 10Gbps Ethernet port and three USB ports (one USB-C and two USB-A). It also includes an HDMI port and a power input.
Inside the NAS, there are eight M.2 NVMe SSD slots. You can configure it for up to 64TB of storage using eight 8TB SSDs. This is enough to set up a RAID storage solution. It supports RAID 0, 6, and 10 as well as an intelligent RAID option that works with drives of different sizes, providing better failure resistance and faster rebuild times.
SSDs are easy to install. Simply slot your drive in, attach the required heat sink, and you’re ready to go. However, the slot’s design requires screws to secure the SSDs, when a screwless design would be more convenient. Another issue is that the heat sinks are attached by rubber bands, which can be weak and prone to breaking.
Display
Let’s discuss the performance of this NAS and how it compares to other solutions in use. One of the main reasons people choose SSD NAS is the added performance compared to HDD solutions.
I’m not a professional when it comes to network storage; I’m just a user who needs fast, reliable network storage. My performance evaluation is based on personal experience. If you’re looking for a detailed review of performance features, you may need to look elsewhere.
The NAS has an Intel i3 N305 processor with a single 16 GB DDR5 RAM module, expandable up to 32 GB. The processor has 8 cores and 8 threads and includes a small integrated GPU.
Setting up a NAS is straightforward – you simply download the associated software and let it handle the setup process. The entire process takes about ten minutes. NAS supports speeds up to 10 Gbps, but achieving those speeds depends on your network. If your network is not able to handle such speeds, you will not get the full benefit from the device. If you invest in this NAS, I strongly recommend upgrading your network. I haven’t upgraded mine yet to take full advantage of its speed.
The NAS OS is good and includes many features. However, it is not designed for power users who want extensive customization. For someone like me, who prefers basic configuration, this is perfect.
what i liked
- price
- ease of setup
- hardware capabilities
what can be improved
- my internet connection
- SSD mounting process
- Terramaster Software
closing thoughts
powerful hardware of Terramaster F8 Plus You are likely limited by your internet connection. This is an excellent budget alternative to a general purpose SSD NAS server for users who don’t want to spend too much time with technology. As a fan of plug-and-play solutions, I appreciate its simplicity. I must say, I’m quite happy with the overall cost and the features it offers. And besides, it’s time I upgraded my internet, right?
