Synology DS925+ vs TerraMaster F4-424: Which One Should You Choose?

In today's era of data explosion, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have become indispensable data management tools for home users, creative professionals, and small businesses. With numerous brands and models available, choosing the most suitable NAS has become a critical decision every user must face.

In recent years, Synology has shifted its focus from consumer and prosumer NAS devices toward larger business and enterprise solutions. The launch of their new 4-bay NAS, the DS925+, exemplifies this transition. As an upgraded replacement for the DS923+, this device offers improved processing power and network connectivity. On the other hand, TerraMaster's 4-bay NAS, the F4-424, presents a highly competitive solution in the $500 price segment. So which of these two products should you choose?

Hardware Performance Comparison

The CPU is the core component that defines a NAS device’s performance. The Synology DS925+ features an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor - a quad-core, eight-thread CPU with a base clock of 2.2GHz but lacking turbo boost functionality. However, it lacks turbo boost and integrated graphics, which means media transcoding is handled purely by the CPU. This could lead to performance bottlenecks during high-load tasks like 4K media streaming.

In contrast, the TerraMaster F4-424 features a more modern Intel N95 quad-core processor with a turbo boost up to 3.4GHz and integrated Intel UHD Graphics. This setup supports hardware-accelerated transcoding for video formats such as H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-4, MPEG-2, and VC-1, with support for resolutions up to 4K@60fps. Whether you're a home theater enthusiast or a video editor, the F4-424 offers smoother multimedia performance.

Regarding memory configuration, the DS925+ comes with 4GB DDR4 ECC RAM (expandable to 32GB), while the F4-424 boasts 8GB DDR5 RAM (also expandable to 32GB). The DDR5 memory offers superior bandwidth and energy efficiency compared to DDR4, delivering better performance in multitasking and large file transfer scenarios.

Network Connectivity and Transfer Performance

Both devices feature dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support, meeting demands for high-speed transfers and multi-user access. However, the DS925+ eliminates the mini PCIe slot found in its predecessor, preventing future 10GbE upgrades via expansion cards - a significant limitation for professionals handling large-scale data processing.

In terms of interface expansion, the F4-424 holds a clear advantage. Its two USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) ports outperform the DS925+'s USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gbps) connections, offering better transfer efficiency for external storage devices - particularly beneficial for users frequently working with external drives.

Storage Expandability

The DS925+ supports expansion up to 9 drive bays (180TB raw capacity) using the DX525 expansion unit, showcasing Synology's scalable architecture.

However, the DS925+ imposes significant storage limitations by only supporting Synology-certified drives. This policy leads to substantially higher storage costs - market research shows Synology's 8TB drives cost about 28% more than equivalent WD Red Plus models, while their 400GB NVMe SSD carries a fivefold price premium over HP's 512GB alternative.

The F4-424 offers more flexible storage options, supporting mainstream HDD/SSD brands and allowing expansion up to 198TB additional capacity via USB 3.2-connected external enclosures like TerraMaster's D9-320. This openness makes it particularly attractive for cost-conscious users. (Compatibility list)

Software Comparison

Synology’s DSM operating system is well-known for its user-friendly interface and robust ecosystem of built-in applications, including Synology Drive, Active Backup Suite, and Surveillance Station. It is particularly suitable for business users focused on collaboration and data management.

The F4-424 runs TOS 6, built on Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS, offering improved stability and performance. With its modern UI design and user-friendly operation, TerraMaster has consistently enhanced its software, adding critical features like TRAID, Centralized Backup, and Duple Backup.

Price

Synology DS925+ – estimated price: $685.99

TerraMaster F4-424 – Official Price: $499.99

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re an enterprise user with a generous budget and a need for a mature software ecosystem, and if you're willing to accept the limitations of proprietary drives, the Synology DS925+ remains a reliable choice thanks to its DSM platform.

However, for those seeking superior cost-performance ratio, modern processor architecture, enhanced multimedia capabilities, and open hardware compatibility around the $500 price point, the TerraMaster F4-424 presents a more compelling option. It outperforms the DS925+ in hardware specifications, memory technology, interface speeds, and storage flexibility - making it particularly suitable for performance-driven home users, small studios, and creative professionals.

F4-424: https://www.terra-master.com/global/products/homesoho-nas/f4-799.html