07-30-2024, 02:50 PM
When comparing the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen and the Terramaster F4-424 for a NAS to use with Plex, movies, and music, here's a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen
Pros:
Hardware Transcoding: Equipped with an Intel Celeron Quad-Core processor, the Lockerstor 4 Gen is capable of hardware transcoding which is beneficial for Plex.
RAM and Expandability: Comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 8GB. This is useful for handling multiple tasks and running applications smoothly.
Network Ports: Dual 2.5GbE ports provide better network throughput which is beneficial for streaming high-definition content.
Storage Bays: Four drive bays, supporting a large amount of storage and various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10).
Multimedia Features: Good support for various multimedia applications, making it ideal for storing and streaming movies and music.
Cons:
Third-Party App Dependency: While Asustor has its own suite of apps, it often relies on third-party apps for enhanced functionality, which might not be as polished as some competitors.
User Interface: The user interface may not be as intuitive or polished as other brands like Synology.
Terramaster F4-424
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Generally offers a more budget-friendly option compared to other NAS devices with similar specs.
Processor: Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core processor, capable of handling basic NAS functions and media streaming.
RAM: Comes with 4GB DDR3L RAM, which is also expandable.
Network Ports: Dual 1GbE LAN ports, which can be aggregated for better performance.
Drive Bays: Four drive bays supporting various RAID configurations.
Cons:
Performance: Slightly lower performance compared to higher-end models, but adequate for general home use and media streaming.
Transcoding: While capable of some hardware transcoding, it may not be as efficient as the Lockerstor 4 Gen.
Software Ecosystem: Terramaster’s TOS (Terramaster Operating System) is less mature and polished compared to Asustor’s ADM or other leading brands like Synology and QNAP.
Recommendation
For a better overall experience with Plex, movies, and music, Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen is a more robust choice due to its superior hardware transcoding capabilities, better network throughput with dual 2.5GbE ports, and more expandable RAM. However, if budget is a significant concern, the Terramaster F4-424 offers a very cost-effective solution that can still meet your basic needs, albeit with some compromises in performance and software polish.
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen
Pros:
Hardware Transcoding: Equipped with an Intel Celeron Quad-Core processor, the Lockerstor 4 Gen is capable of hardware transcoding which is beneficial for Plex.
RAM and Expandability: Comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 8GB. This is useful for handling multiple tasks and running applications smoothly.
Network Ports: Dual 2.5GbE ports provide better network throughput which is beneficial for streaming high-definition content.
Storage Bays: Four drive bays, supporting a large amount of storage and various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10).
Multimedia Features: Good support for various multimedia applications, making it ideal for storing and streaming movies and music.
Cons:
Third-Party App Dependency: While Asustor has its own suite of apps, it often relies on third-party apps for enhanced functionality, which might not be as polished as some competitors.
User Interface: The user interface may not be as intuitive or polished as other brands like Synology.
Terramaster F4-424
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Generally offers a more budget-friendly option compared to other NAS devices with similar specs.
Processor: Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core processor, capable of handling basic NAS functions and media streaming.
RAM: Comes with 4GB DDR3L RAM, which is also expandable.
Network Ports: Dual 1GbE LAN ports, which can be aggregated for better performance.
Drive Bays: Four drive bays supporting various RAID configurations.
Cons:
Performance: Slightly lower performance compared to higher-end models, but adequate for general home use and media streaming.
Transcoding: While capable of some hardware transcoding, it may not be as efficient as the Lockerstor 4 Gen.
Software Ecosystem: Terramaster’s TOS (Terramaster Operating System) is less mature and polished compared to Asustor’s ADM or other leading brands like Synology and QNAP.
Recommendation
For a better overall experience with Plex, movies, and music, Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen is a more robust choice due to its superior hardware transcoding capabilities, better network throughput with dual 2.5GbE ports, and more expandable RAM. However, if budget is a significant concern, the Terramaster F4-424 offers a very cost-effective solution that can still meet your basic needs, albeit with some compromises in performance and software polish.