[Help] F6-424 MAX – Possible hardware failure on second 10GbE port (no link, not detected by OS)

[rafaqs]

Please try the following steps to investigate whether there are any other possible causes.
1. Bypass the router/switch and connect directly to the computer. Check for compatibility issues with the router/switch.
2. With the TNAS powered off, ensure that both RJ45 ports are properly connected, then power on the TNAS and see if the issue persists.

Hi TMzethar, tks for your reply

To provide a clear picture of what is happening with this F6-424 Max unit (which is an RMA replacement), here are the facts observed:

1. Physical Layer & LEDs: The green link LED on the 10GbE port remains completely off. I have already tested this with multiple CAT6/CAT7 cables across different ports on my switch and even using different switches to rule out any external compatibility issues. The port shows no signs of life.
2. BIOS Level: The network interface is not detected or listed anywhere within the BIOS settings of the F6-424 Max.
3. OS Detection: The hardware is not recognized by TOS or Unraid. I ran the lspci command in the terminal, and the Aquantia controller does not appear on the PCIe bus at all.

Since this is already a replacement unit and the hardware seems to be unresponsive at the most basic level (BIOS/PCIe), what are the next steps for a resolution?

Thank you

[TMzethar]

Okay, we have noted the information you provided. Please try the two operations mentioned earlier and let us know the results. This is just to rule out some possibilities so we can better narrow down the issue.

After attempting the two previously mentioned operations, you can try unplugging and replugging the Ethernet cable while the power is off; this might allow the 10GbE network card to continue functioning.

[rafaqs]

Okay, we have noted the information you provided. Please try the two operations mentioned earlier and let us know the results. This is just to rule out some possibilities so we can better narrow down the issue.

After attempting the two previously mentioned operations, you can try unplugging and replugging the Ethernet cable while the power is off; this might allow the 10GbE network card to continue functioning.

Hi TMzethar,

I have followed both steps as you suggested (direct connection to PC and power-on sequences), but unfortunately, the issue persists. The port remains completely dark, with no LEDs or detection.

To rule out any external compatibility issues, I performed a direct cable-to-cable connection (outside my network) using at least 3 different USB-Thunderbolt/RJ45 adapters on multiple devices. The results were consistent:

1. Comparison between Ports (TOS 6 & TNAS App):

Port 1 (Working): Works instantly. The LEDs blink, and it is discovered immediately by the TNAS app on my MacBook, iPhone, and iPad.

Port 2 (Problematic): No signs of life. No LEDs, no IP assigned, and it is not discovered by any device or app, even with the direct connection using different adapters.

To be honest, I am quite saddened by this situation . Setting up and configuring a new unit from scratch is a lot of work, and I was truly hoping this replacement unit would be fully functional and reliable for a long time, just as my first NAS from this brand still is. I’ve had a great experience with the brand before, so I expected this F6-424 Max to be just as dependable.

Since I've exhausted all technical possibilities to fix this quickly, I would like your guidance. Is there any other technical solution I might have missed, or is this unit indeed defective? Thank you for your support

[TMzethar]

Hi rafaqs,

Thank you for the detailed information. This has brought us one step closer to finding a solution.

In case you missed it, I’m reminding you and asking again.
Have you tried unplugging and replugging the network cable while the NAS is disconnected from its power adapter?

[rafaqs]

Hi rafaqs,

Thank you for the detailed information. This has brought us one step closer to finding a solution.

In case you missed it, I’m reminding you and asking again.
Have you tried unplugging and replugging the network cable while the NAS is disconnected from its power adapter?

Hi TMzethar,

I have tried the procedure you mentioned. I unplugged the power and reseated the Ethernet cable several times to ensure any static or temporary state was cleared. I tested this sequence a few times connected directly to my MacBook and iPad using two different network adapters.

Unfortunately, the result remains the same: the port does not show any link LEDs, and it is still not detected in the BIOS or by the OS. It seems the port is completely unresponsive.

Is there any other suggestion, specific setting, or procedure that can be performed on my end to try and bring this interface back to life? I am eager to resolve this and start using the NAS fully.
Thank you for your continued help!

[TMzethar]

Please try upgrading to TOS7 Beta, then update to the latest TOS7 Beta. The new drivers included with the new system may resolve the issue.
viewtopic.php?t=9437
viewtopic.php?t=9946

[rafaqs]

Please try upgrading to TOS7 Beta, then update to the latest TOS7 Beta. The new drivers included with the new system may resolve the issue.
viewtopic.php?t=9437
viewtopic.php?t=9946

Hi TMzethar,

Thank you for the suggestion. Actually, I was already running TOS 7 Beta when the problem first occurred . To rule out any software or driver issues, I have since performed clean installations and tests with TOS 6, Unraid 7.2.X, and TrueNAS.

In every single one of these operating systems, the result was the same: the second 10GbE interface is not listed or detected by the system at all. This is consistent with what I see in the BIOS, where the hardware simply does not appear.

I am very motivated to make this specific unit work to avoid the massive effort of setting up and reconfiguring a new one from scratch. I am ready to provide any video evidence, run specific diagnostic tools, or follow any other advanced procedures you recommend to try and recover this interface. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do on my end to fix this unit. Thank you!

[rafaqs]

Hey TMzethar,

I have to be honest—I’m feeling pretty frustrated. I’ve spent so many hours over the last few days running every test possible. I’ve swapped CAT6/7 cables, tested three different USB-Thunderbolt adapters, tried direct connections to my Mac and iPad, and even different switches. I’m doing all this because I truly like TerraMaster; my first NAS from the brand has been a 'solid rock' for a long time, and that’s exactly what I expected when I bought this F6-424 Max.

But it’s really disappointing to see the exact same hardware failure on this second unit. The 10GbE port is just dead. No LEDs, no link, nothing in the BIOS, and lspci shows no sign of the controller. Meanwhile, the other port works instantly with the same cables and devices. This clearly isn't a driver or a TOS issue—the hardware itself just isn't waking up.

Setting up and configuring everything from scratch is a huge amount of work, and I really don't want to keep doing that. I just want a unit that is fully functional for the long haul, just like my first one (TerraMaster F2-423). Is there any actual technical fix we can try to bring this port back to life, or are we looking at another hardware defect? I just want a reliable dual-10GbE setup that I can trust for years to come. What are our options to solve this quickly?

Thanks for your help.

[TMzethar]

Your efforts are commendable.
Thanks to your efforts, we have already ruled out a large number of unrelated possibilities.
Based on the information we have, we now have some new hypotheses that need to be verified.
1. Please remove the battery while the power is off, and reinsert it after 10 minutes.
2. Please open the BIOS and take a screenshot of the BIOS version and other relevant information.
3. Please tell me the total RAM capacity and take a photo of the RAM modules to send to us (whether they are the original ones or third-party ones).
4. Please remove the motherboard from the device, disconnect it from the SATA ports, and connect only the Marvell Ethernet port. Do not connect any M.2 SSDs.
At this point, the TNAS will boot the initial system via USB initboot. Please observe whether the Marvell Ethernet port is functioning.
5. Please remove the motherboard from the device, disconnect it from the SATA ports, and connect only the Marvell Ethernet port. Remove the USB initboot drive. Connect an M.2 drive running TOS 7.
Boot the system and observe whether the Marvell Ethernet port is functioning.

[rafaqs]

Your efforts are commendable.
Thanks to your efforts, we have already ruled out a large number of unrelated possibilities.
Based on the information we have, we now have some new hypotheses that need to be verified.
1. Please remove the battery while the power is off, and reinsert it after 10 minutes.
2. Please open the BIOS and take a screenshot of the BIOS version and other relevant information.
3. Please tell me the total RAM capacity and take a photo of the RAM modules to send to us (whether they are the original ones or third-party ones).
4. Please remove the motherboard from the device, disconnect it from the SATA ports, and connect only the Marvell Ethernet port. Do not connect any M.2 SSDs.
At this point, the TNAS will boot the initial system via USB initboot. Please observe whether the Marvell Ethernet port is functioning.
5. Please remove the motherboard from the device, disconnect it from the SATA ports, and connect only the Marvell Ethernet port. Remove the USB initboot drive. Connect an M.2 drive running TOS 7.
Boot the system and observe whether the Marvell Ethernet port is functioning.

Hi TMzethar,

Thank you very much for providing such a detailed guide. I truly appreciate the team's commitment and effort to help me resolve this. It's great to see this level of technical support.

I will proceed with all the steps you mentioned—including the CMOS reset, using the original RAM module, and isolating the motherboard—and I will record the entire process as requested to provide the necessary evidence.

Regarding the files (videos and photos), what is the best way to share them with you? Would it be okay if I post a Google Drive link directly here in the forum? Or would you prefer me to send them via email? If so, please let me know which address I should use.

I’ll get back to you with the results very soon (it's going to be another long day here!).

Thanks again for your dedication!