Device Analysis
At first glance, the F2-425 looks quite similar to the older F2-212. Both sides feature TerraMaster logos that double as discreet air vents, cleverly integrated into the design. One side also includes a sticker with a QR code for quick setup without a PC, should you prefer that route.
On the front, you’ll find the power button and one of the two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10Gbps). Here, you also access the two drive bays. Removing a drive tray is simple: press the top of the tray to pop out the handle, then pull it free.
At the rear, you’ll find the main fan vent, a DC barrel jack for power, a reset button inside a pinhole, two USB Type-A ports (one 10Gbps and one 5Gbps), a 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet port positioned above the USBs, and an HDMI 2.0b port near the top.
The top panel is plain, while the bottom includes the product label and rubber feet.
The drive trays are sturdy and slide smoothly. Their plastic construction helps reduce vibration noise, and the toolless system is genuinely convenient. There’s also support for 2.5-inch drives. Although the trays lack direct ventilation holes at the front, there’s adequate airflow through the front of the chassis.
Getting inside the NAS is quick and easy. Remove the two Phillips screws at the back, slide the cover backward, and lift it off. This provides access to a single RAM slot and an internal USB port. The USB port can host a low-profile flash drive if you prefer to boot the OS from there. The single RAM slot supports up to 16GB on a single stick, making it an upgrade worth considering if you plan to run Docker containers or other memory-intensive services. DDR4 RAM remains affordable, making it an easy way to enhance performance.
You may also notice two M.2 inscriptions, unfortunately, without the actual slots to use them.
Cooling is handled by an 80mm Snowfan (YY8025L12S) at the rear, which pulls air through the front and exhausts it out the back. If you wish to disassemble further, you can remove the four rear screws, which are hidden behind the black stickers.
