Best RAM for Upgrading the TerraMaster F2-221 NAS in 2019

TerraMaster F2-221
TerraMaster F2-221 (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

The TerraMaster F2-221 is an excellent budget-friendly NAS that can double up as a Plex Media Server. It only comes with 2GB of RAM, which causes issues when intense services and tasks are run on the NAS, but TerraMaster makes it possible to install an additional 2GB RAM module to double the capacity available.

TerraMaster 2GB RAM

Officially supported RAM upgrade from TerraMaster

Who should buy this RAM

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If you own a TerraMaster F2-221 or other supported NAS and need more than what the company gives you, you should buy this RAM for that extra 2GB.

Is it a good time to buy this RAM?

Now is an as good time as any to buy RAM from TerraMaster. You should only hold off for potential discounts if the performance of your NAS isn't hampering your experience.

This RAM is officially supported by TerraMaster

TerraMaster F2-221

The TerraMaster F2-221 NAS supports RAM modules with a capacity of 2GB, a speed of 1,333MHz, and draw of around 1.3v. That sounds like it should be easy to locate vendors who sell such memory, but you'll be hard pressed to find any listings. If you can come across RAM that matches these exact specifications, you should be good to go, but TerraMaster recommends to use its own RAM. Since you can buy the RAM directly and easily, there's no point in trying to find it elsewhere unless you want to save some money.

The modules TerraMaster sells are pricey, coming in at $50 for just 2GB. That's a high price to pay when you look at how much desktop memory costs for 16GB and even 32GB kits. Still, what you're playing for is guaranteed compatibility, additional support from TerraMaster, and modules that match the requirements, and 2GB DDR3L modules with a speed of 1,333MHz may be hard to locate.

Alternatives to the TerraMaster 2GB RAM

It's possible to use RAM from other manufacturers and vendors if you can locate a 2GB module that has a rated speed of 1,333 MHz and only requires 1.3v. Installing RAM not meeting these exact specifications will result in system performance issues, instability, and not having TerraMaster offer official support.

MLLSE 2GB RAM

Unofficial RAM

Matching the same specifications of the pre-installed RAM that comes with the F2-221 NAS, as well as the RAM sold by TerraMaster, this MLLSSE 2GB module should work just fine with the NAS. You'll save some money in the process too.

Bottom line

Whether you go with the official TerraMaster RAM for the F2-221 NAS or not depends on if you don't mind risking system instability with other RAM modules to save some money. While it's more expensive, we do recommend you go with the TerraMaster 2GB module for peace of mind.

TerraMaster 2GB RAM

Officially supported RAM upgrade from TerraMaster
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.