The TerraMaster F2-223 NAS emerges as a solid contender for home users and small businesses seeking an affordable yet capable network-attached storage solution.

It offers a compelling blend of dual-bay storage, Intel Celeron N4505 processing power, and TerraMaster’s TOS 5 operating system, making it well-suited for tasks like media streaming, file backup, and even running light virtual machines.

While it may not compete with high-end enterprise-grade NAS devices in raw power or advanced features, its value proposition for essential data management and content sharing is undeniably strong.

Think of it as a robust, no-frills workhorse that gets the job done efficiently without breaking the bank, providing a reliable hub for your digital life. Leica Noctilux M 50Mm F12 Asph Review

Product Name	Drive Bays	Processor	RAM Max	Key Feature Set	Target User	Price Range USD
TerraMaster F2-223 NAS	2	Intel Celeron N4505	4GB DDR4	2.5GbE, TOS 5, PLEX support, snapshot technology	Home users, SMBs, media enthusiasts	$250 – $350
Synology DS224+ NAS	2	Intel Celeron J4125	6GB DDR4	DSM OS, extensive app ecosystem, Btrfs snapshots	Home users, SMBs, advanced data management	$350 – $450
QNAP TS-264-8G NAS	2	Intel Celeron N5095	8GB DDR4	Dual 2.5GbE, HDMI 2.0, M.2 NVMe slots, Virtualization	Prosumers, SMBs, virtualization, media creation	$450 – $550
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra	2	Marvell ARMADA 385	1GB DDR3	Simplicity, integrated WD Red drives, personal cloud	Basic home backup, less tech-savvy users	$150 – $250
ASUSTOR Drivestor 2 Pro AS3302T	2	Realtek RTD1619B	2GB DDR4	2.5GbE, HDMI 2.0, ADM OS, budget-friendly	Home users, media streaming	$200 – $300
Buffalo LinkStation 210	1	Dual-Core ARM	256MB	Simple setup, single-bay, direct access, basic backup	Entry-level home users, basic file sharing	$100 – $150
Network Attached Storage NAS Systems	Varies	Varies	Varies	Broad range of features and configurations	Diverse, from home to enterprise	Varies

Table of Contents

Diving Deep into the TerraMaster F2-223: A Comprehensive Review

When it comes to network-attached storage, getting the most bang for your buck is often the name of the game.

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The TerraMaster F2-223 steps into this arena with a compelling offering for those who need reliable storage without the enterprise-level price tag.

Let’s peel back the layers and see where this dual-bay NAS truly shines and where it might leave you wanting a bit more.

Core Hardware Specifications: The Engine Under the Hood

Understanding the F2-223 starts with its internal components. Nokia 2780 Flip Review

These are the unsung heroes determining its performance ceiling.

Processor: The F2-223 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4505 dual-core processor. This chip is a significant upgrade from previous generations, offering a burst frequency of up to 2.9 GHz. For a 2-bay NAS, this Celeron is more than capable of handling typical home and small office workloads. We’re talking about simultaneous file transfers, media streaming, and even some light virtualization tasks without breaking a sweat. It’s not a Xeon, but for its class, it’s a robust performer.
Memory: It comes equipped with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which is respectable for a unit in this price category. Crucially, the RAM is upgradeable, allowing users to potentially boost performance for more demanding applications. This is a big win, as memory often becomes a bottleneck in NAS systems, especially when running multiple Docker containers or virtual machines.
Networking: The F2-223 features dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5GbE ports. This is a massive leap forward from traditional Gigabit Ethernet and a standout feature for a budget-friendly NAS. If you have a compatible 2.5GbE switch and client devices, you can achieve transfer speeds of up to 290 MB/s, which is fantastic for large file transfers like 4K video or extensive photo libraries. The dual ports also support link aggregation, providing redundancy and theoretical speed doubling if your network infrastructure supports it.
Storage Bays: As a 2-bay NAS, it supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA hard drives and SSDs. This flexibility allows users to choose between high-capacity HDDs for bulk storage or faster SSDs for specific applications or caching.
Connectivity: Beyond the 2.5GbE ports, you’ll find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external drives, printers, or UPS devices. This expands its utility, making it easy to offload data or backup external devices directly to the NAS.

The sum of these parts creates a well-balanced system.

The N4505 with 2.5GbE is the star here, providing a performance uplift that was previously reserved for more expensive models.

It’s an ideal setup for users who want to move beyond basic file sharing and dabble in more advanced NAS functionalities.

Software Experience: Navigating TerraMaster’s TOS 5 Operating System

Hardware is just half the battle. the software defines the user experience. Msi Prestige 13 Evo Review

TerraMaster’s operating system, TOS 5, is the interface through which you manage your data and applications.

User Interface: TOS 5 features a clean and intuitive web-based interface. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to NAS systems. The desktop-like environment with draggable windows and a familiar icon-based navigation makes it easy to find settings and applications. While it might not have the same polish as Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS, it’s functional and straightforward.
Core Functionalities: All the essentials are here. You can set up RAID configurations RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, Single Disk for data redundancy or performance. User and group management is robust, allowing granular control over file access permissions. File sharing protocols like SMB/CIFS, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV are supported, ensuring compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux clients.
Application Center: This is where TOS 5 expands its capabilities. The Application Center offers a range of first-party and third-party apps.
- Plex Media Server: A major draw for many users, the F2-223 can run Plex Media Server, allowing you to stream your media collection to various devices. The N4505 processor supports hardware transcoding, which is crucial for smooth 4K video streaming to devices that might not support the native format. This is a significant advantage for media enthusiasts.
- Docker: For advanced users, Docker support opens up a world of possibilities. You can deploy a vast array of containerized applications, from home automation hubs like Home Assistant to self-hosted cloud solutions, VPN servers, and more. This significantly enhances the NAS’s versatility.
- Backup Solutions: TerraMaster offers several built-in backup tools, including TerraSync for cloud synchronization, Duple Backup for local and remote backups, and snapshot technology Btrfs for point-in-time recovery. The Btrfs file system support is excellent for protecting against ransomware and accidental deletions.
Security Features: TOS 5 includes standard security measures like firewall rules, SSH access control, and SSL certificate management. Regular firmware updates from TerraMaster also help patch vulnerabilities and introduce new features. However, like any connected device, vigilance from the user is key, including strong passwords and keeping software up-to-date.

While TOS 5 may not have the sheer breadth of niche applications found in Synology’s or QNAP’s ecosystems, it covers the most critical functionalities for home and small business users exceptionally well, especially with the inclusion of Plex and Docker.

Performance Metrics: Real-World Speed and Responsiveness

Let’s cut to the chase: how does the TerraMaster F2-223 perform in daily use? This is where the 2.5GbE ports really shine.

File Transfer Speeds: With a 2.5GbE network infrastructure, you can expect sequential read speeds around 280-290 MB/s and write speeds in the 270-280 MB/s range when using traditional HDDs in a RAID 1 configuration. If you’re coming from a Gigabit Ethernet NAS, this is a night-and-day difference, significantly reducing the time it takes to move large files or entire folders. For typical office documents or smaller files, the benefit is less pronounced due to overheads, but still noticeably faster.
4K Media Transcoding: The Intel Celeron N4505 supports Intel Quick Sync Video, which is critical for hardware-accelerated transcoding. When using Plex, the F2-223 can handle on-the-fly 4K to 1080p transcoding for one or two streams without significant stuttering, depending on the bitrate and complexity of the video file. This makes it an excellent choice for a dedicated Plex server, especially if you have a mix of client devices with varying capabilities.
Application Responsiveness: The 4GB of RAM and N4505 processor ensure that the TOS 5 interface remains responsive. Opening applications, navigating settings, and managing tasks feel snappy. Even with a few Docker containers running in the background, the system generally holds its own. For users planning to run multiple demanding services, a RAM upgrade would be a wise consideration.
Boot Time and Shutdown: Booting up the F2-223 takes a few minutes, which is typical for a NAS. Shutdown is relatively quick. These aren’t critical performance metrics but contribute to the overall user experience.

The F2-223 delivers on its promise of fast network performance, making it an ideal candidate for users with 2.5GbE networks or those looking to upgrade their home network for future-proofing.

Storage Management and Data Protection: Keeping Your Data Safe

A NAS is fundamentally about data storage and protection. Kobo Elipsa 2E Review

The F2-223 offers several layers to ensure your valuable data remains secure and accessible.

RAID Options: As a dual-bay NAS, the F2-223 supports the most common RAID configurations:
- RAID 0: Stripes data across both drives for maximum performance and capacity, but offers no data redundancy. If one drive fails, all data is lost. Use with caution.
- RAID 1: Mirrors data across both drives, providing excellent data redundancy. If one drive fails, the data is still accessible on the other. Capacity is limited to the size of a single drive. This is the recommended choice for most users for data protection.
- JBOD Just a Bunch Of Disks: Combines drives into a single logical volume without redundancy.
- Single Disk: Each drive operates independently.
  TerraMaster also offers T-RAID, their proprietary optimized RAID mode, but for most users, standard RAID 1 provides the best balance of safety and simplicity.
File System Btrfs Support: The F2-223 supports the Btrfs file system, which is a significant advantage. Btrfs offers several advanced features:
- Snapshots: The ability to create point-in-time copies of your data. This is invaluable for recovering from accidental deletions, file corruption, or even ransomware attacks. You can revert your entire shared folder to an earlier state with ease.
- Data Integrity Checksums: Btrfs helps detect and prevent silent data corruption, ensuring the integrity of your files over time.
- Self-healing: In a RAID 1 configuration, Btrfs can automatically repair corrupted data using the redundant copy.
Backup Solutions: Beyond RAID, TerraMaster provides robust backup features:
- Duple Backup: Allows you to back up data from your NAS to another TerraMaster NAS, rsync server, cloud storage Amazon S3, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external USB drive. This is crucial for adhering to the 3-2-1 backup rule 3 copies of data, 2 different media, 1 offsite.
- TerraSync: Facilitates file synchronization between your NAS and various cloud storage services, ensuring your data is always up-to-date across platforms.
- Cloud Drive Sync: A dedicated app for direct synchronization with popular cloud services.
External Device Backup: The USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports allow for one-touch backup from connected external drives to the NAS, simplifying the process of archiving data from USB flash drives or external HDDs.

For a NAS in its price range, the F2-223’s commitment to data protection through RAID, Btrfs snapshots, and comprehensive backup tools is impressive.

It empowers users to build a resilient data management strategy.

Power Consumption and Noise Levels: Living with the F2-223

Any device running 24/7 in your home or office needs to be considered for its operational characteristics.

Power Consumption: The F2-223 is relatively power-efficient, especially considering its Intel Celeron N4505 processor.
- HDD Hibernation: When drives are idle, they spin down to save power. This significantly reduces consumption.
- Typical Usage: Expect power consumption to be in the 15-20W range during active use with two HDDs, and drop to below 10W when the drives are in hibernation. This is commendable and translates to minimal impact on your electricity bill.
- Wake-on-LAN WoL: The F2-223 supports WoL, allowing you to remotely power on the device, further enhancing energy efficiency by keeping it off when not in use.
Noise Levels: This is often a concern for home users.
- The F2-223 utilizes a rear-mounted fan for cooling. In general, it operates quietly.
- Idle: At idle, the fan noise is barely perceptible, making it suitable for a living room or bedroom.
- Under Load: During heavy file transfers or transcoding, the fan might spin up slightly, but it remains within acceptable noise levels for most environments.
- HDD Noise: The primary source of noise will likely be the hard drives themselves, especially during active read/write operations. Choosing quieter NAS-rated drives can further minimize overall noise.
- TerraMaster has done a decent job with the fan control algorithms to keep noise to a minimum while ensuring proper cooling.

Overall, the F2-223 is a power-friendly and relatively quiet device, making it a good fit for always-on operation in various home and small office settings. Yaber Pico T1 Review

Expandability and Future-Proofing: Growing with Your Needs

Investing in a NAS is a long-term commitment.

The F2-223 offers some key features for future growth.

RAM Upgradeability: As mentioned, the RAM is upgradeable. While it comes with 4GB, users can often upgrade to 8GB or even 16GB check specific compatibility before purchasing RAM. This significantly extends the lifespan of the device, allowing it to handle more demanding applications, more Docker containers, or more simultaneous users in the future. This is a crucial factor for longevity.
Drive Upgrades: You can replace the existing drives with larger capacity HDDs as your storage needs grow. The process is straightforward, especially when maintaining a RAID 1 array.
External Storage: The two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports provide options for connecting external USB drives for additional storage, backups, or for quickly transferring data without network reliance. While not integrated into the main storage pool, it adds flexibility.
2.5GbE Networking: The inclusion of dual 2.5GbE ports is a significant step towards future-proofing. As more devices and network infrastructure adopt faster Ethernet standards, the F2-223 will be ready to take advantage of them, maintaining high transfer speeds for years to come. This is a big differentiator from older or cheaper models that only offer Gigabit Ethernet.
Docker Ecosystem: The support for Docker means that even if TerraMaster’s native app offerings don’t include a specific service you need, you can often deploy it as a Docker container. This open-ended expandability makes the F2-223 incredibly versatile and adaptable to new software trends.

While a 2-bay NAS inherently limits total raw capacity compared to 4-bay or larger units, the F2-223’s RAM upgradeability, 2.5GbE, and Docker support provide excellent avenues for extending its utility and ensuring it remains relevant as your digital life evolves.

Target Audience and Value Proposition: Who is the F2-223 For?

Understanding the ideal user helps clarify if the TerraMaster F2-223 is the right fit for your specific needs.

Home Users with Growing Data: If you’re a family accumulating vast amounts of photos, videos, and documents, the F2-223 is an excellent central repository. Its ease of use and backup features make it a reliable choice for preserving precious memories.
Media Enthusiasts: For those with extensive media libraries, the F2-223’s ability to host Plex Media Server with hardware transcoding makes it a compelling option. Stream your content seamlessly across all your devices, whether it’s a smart TV, tablet, or smartphone.
Small Office/Home Office SOHO Environments: For small businesses or remote workers, the F2-223 provides a cost-effective solution for centralized file sharing, collaboration, and secure data backup. The user management and permission controls are robust enough for typical SOHO requirements.
Budget-Conscious Tech Enthusiasts: If you’re looking to dive into the world of NAS and advanced functionalities like Docker without breaking the bank, the F2-223 offers a fantastic entry point. The 2.5GbE and upgradeable RAM provide a solid foundation for experimentation and growth.
Users Upgrading from Older Gigabit NAS: If your current NAS is bottlenecked by Gigabit Ethernet, the F2-223 provides a significant performance boost at an accessible price.

Value Proposition: The TerraMaster F2-223 offers a strong performance-to-price ratio. Its inclusion of dual 2.5GbE ports, an Intel Celeron N4505 with hardware transcoding, and robust software features like Btrfs snapshots and Docker support at its price point is a genuine value proposition. It strikes a sweet spot between affordability and functionality, making advanced NAS capabilities accessible to a broader audience. While more expensive units from Synology or QNAP might offer a larger app ecosystem or more advanced enterprise features, the F2-223 focuses on delivering core functionalities exceptionally well for its target market. It’s about getting the essential tools without paying for capabilities you don’t need. Oneplus Pad Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TerraMaster F2-223 NAS?

The TerraMaster F2-223 is a 2-bay network-attached storage NAS device designed for home users and small businesses, featuring an Intel Celeron N4505 processor and dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Can the TerraMaster F2-223 run Plex Media Server?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 can run Plex Media Server.

Its Intel Celeron N4505 processor supports Intel Quick Sync Video, enabling hardware-accelerated 4K transcoding for smooth media streaming.

Does the TerraMaster F2-223 support 2.5GbE networking?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 features dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5GbE ports, offering significantly faster network transfer speeds than traditional Gigabit Ethernet.

Is the RAM on the TerraMaster F2-223 upgradeable?

Yes, the RAM on the TerraMaster F2-223 is upgradeable. Corsair Mp600 Core Xt Review

It comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM, and users can often upgrade it to 8GB or more check specific compatibility.

What operating system does the TerraMaster F2-223 use?

The TerraMaster F2-223 uses TerraMaster’s proprietary operating system, TOS 5.

What RAID levels does the F2-223 support?

The F2-223 supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD Just a Bunch Of Disks, and Single Disk configurations. RAID 1 is recommended for data redundancy.

Does the TerraMaster F2-223 support Btrfs snapshots?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 supports the Btrfs file system, which includes features like data integrity checksums and snapshot technology for point-in-time data recovery.

What kind of drives are compatible with the F2-223?

The TerraMaster F2-223 is compatible with both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA hard drives HDDs and solid-state drives SSDs. Asus Zenbook S 13 Oled 2023 Review

How many USB ports does the TerraMaster F2-223 have?

The TerraMaster F2-223 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external devices like hard drives or UPS.

Is the TerraMaster F2-223 good for home backup?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 is excellent for home backup, offering RAID 1 for data redundancy, Btrfs snapshots, and various backup tools like Duple Backup and TerraSync.

Can I access my TerraMaster F2-223 remotely?

Yes, you can access your TerraMaster F2-223 remotely through TerraMaster’s TNAS.online service or by setting up port forwarding on your router.

What is the power consumption of the TerraMaster F2-223?

The TerraMaster F2-223 is relatively power-efficient, consuming around 15-20W during active use with HDDs and less than 10W in drive hibernation mode.

Is the TerraMaster F2-223 noisy?

The TerraMaster F2-223 is generally quiet, especially at idle. Lenovo Slim Pro 7 Gen 8 2023 Review

The primary source of noise will likely be the hard drives themselves during active operation.

Does the F2-223 support Docker containers?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 supports Docker, allowing users to deploy a wide range of containerized applications for enhanced functionality.

Can the F2-223 be used for video surveillance?

Yes, the F2-223 can be used for video surveillance by installing compatible surveillance software packages e.g., Surveillance Station if available through the app center or via Docker.

How does the F2-223 compare to Synology DS224+?

The F2-223 offers 2.5GbE by default and can be more budget-friendly.

The Synology DS224+ typically has a more mature and extensive app ecosystem DSM and often comes with more initial RAM. Asrock B650E Pg Itx Review

What is the maximum storage capacity of the TerraMaster F2-223?

The maximum storage capacity depends on the largest supported hard drive size available e.g., 22TB per drive, for a total of 44TB raw capacity, but usable capacity will be less in RAID 1.

Does the F2-223 come with hard drives?

No, the TerraMaster F2-223 is typically sold as a diskless enclosure, meaning you need to purchase and install hard drives separately.

Can I expand the storage of the F2-223 with an external drive?

Yes, you can connect external USB drives to the F2-223’s USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for additional storage or backup purposes.

What is Duple Backup on TerraMaster F2-223?

Duple Backup is a feature in TOS 5 that allows you to back up data from your F2-223 to another TerraMaster NAS, rsync server, or popular cloud storage services like Amazon S3, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Does the F2-223 support Wake-on-LAN WoL?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 supports Wake-on-LAN WoL, allowing you to remotely power on the device when needed. Rippling Review

Is the TerraMaster F2-223 suitable for a small business?

Yes, for small businesses, the F2-223 can provide centralized file storage, user management, and reliable backup solutions at a competitive price.

What are the main advantages of the F2-223?

The main advantages of the F2-223 include its dual 2.5GbE ports, Intel Celeron N4505 with hardware transcoding, RAM upgradeability, Btrfs snapshot support, and Docker compatibility, all at a competitive price point.

Are there any limitations to the TerraMaster F2-223?

As a 2-bay NAS, its total raw storage capacity is limited compared to 4-bay or larger units.

While TOS 5 is good, its application ecosystem may not be as extensive as Synology’s or QNAP’s for very niche applications.

How easy is it to set up the TerraMaster F2-223?

Setup is generally straightforward for users familiar with basic network configurations. Canon Powershot V10 Review

The web-based TOS 5 interface guides you through initial setup, RAID configuration, and user creation.

Can I synchronize files with cloud services using the F2-223?

Yes, the F2-223 supports synchronization with various cloud services using features like TerraSync and Cloud Drive Sync.

Does the F2-223 offer data encryption?

Yes, TOS 5 offers options for shared folder encryption, allowing you to secure sensitive data stored on the NAS.

What kind of warranty does TerraMaster offer for the F2-223?

TerraMaster typically offers a 2-year limited warranty on their NAS devices, but it’s always best to check the specific warranty terms at the time of purchase.

Can the F2-223 replace a traditional file server?

For many home users and small offices, the F2-223 can effectively replace a traditional dedicated file server, offering similar functionalities with lower power consumption and easier management. Acer Aspire Vero 2023 Review

Is the TerraMaster F2-223 a good value for the price?

Yes, the TerraMaster F2-223 offers excellent value for its price, providing a strong set of features, including 2.5GbE, capable hardware, and robust software, that often cost more in competing NAS models.

Terramaster F2 223 Nas Review