Do ram sticks need to match

Last UpdatedMarch 5, 2024

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lvt said: 3200Mhz usually means the max speed that your RAM can run (it doesn't have to run at that speed). Solution. Crypto Apr 24, 2024 · 16GB RAM: As of 2024, this is the capacity to aim for for non-gamers. Memory arrangement could be 4 GB, 8 GB, and 4 GB, 8 GB. So, if you Installed one stick with 1600Mhz and other with 2400Mhz, the latter will work on 1600Mhz, thus Sep 20, 2017 · That isnt what Corsair is saying tho, they are saying that they cant help you over compatibility issues but if the RAM stick has physically "died", im quite sure they will RMA it. Mar 13, 2006 · Click on the 'Info' tab and click the 'Read info' button. 35 and i thought that maybe i should go at 1,4-1. 1x16gb vs 2x16gb. Even then, the system might run into errors. But ram that's not in the same paired slots wouldn't interact enough for it to be a problem, so if you have 2x4gb in slots 1 and 3, and 2x8 in slots 2 and 4, it won't be an issue. Some motherboards, particularly Ryzen, can be very sensitive to this. You cannot have 2x4GB on one channel and 1x4GB on the other and the timings/clocks cannot be different for any module. Mixing and matching shoes are akin to you wearing different sized and colored shoesthey only aid in making you look silly. If they match (or if the old RAM in faster) leave it in. No guarantee of success, but to get all the modules working together, increase the DRAM Voltage in BIOS by 0. But the requirement is that the two modules have the same size. Next look for a memory type mode selection of the bios. Yes , those timmings are terriblestick with CL 16 or lower. Not all ram sticks will work together in every system configuration in any ram slot. Yes, dual channel is important with any DDR revision. Dual channel RAM sticks are generally notched differently than single channel modules so they will not fit into the same memory slots. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. #2. Yes, RAM sticks are compatible with different sizes and even speeds together as long as they are in the same DDR (Double Data Rate) form factor. May 5, 2023 · But where DDR4-xxxx details the per-bit data rate, PC4-xxxxx details your RAM's overall data rate in MB/s. Meaning, the same frequency, latency, size, rank, and if possible even brands. That said Dec 3, 2014 · Dec 3, 2014. Jan 25, 2023 · Very often (but not always) RAM slots work pairwise, with a "dual channel" configuration: the two RAM modules are paired in a kind of RAID0 mode in order to get higher throughput. If not try updating the BIOS and see if it works. Unless you're having problems, the answer is no. Unless you exactly match your existing ram, your system will default to the slowest stick in your rig. 5v, with another 8GB 3200MHz stick of RAM @1. This sounds odd. In your case, I suspect that you have installed a combination that the motherboard doesn't Dec 23, 2021 · This is a common issue with upgrading RAM later by trying to add more sticks to existing ones. If speed or latency is mismatched but capacity matches, it will just run at the slower speed usually. Feb 10, 2023 · In other words, if you have an 8 GB stick installed, it is recommended to get another 8 GB RAM stick instead of 4GB to match the size. Benchmarks suggests that it gives a 5-10 percent performance boost. Apr 17, 2024 · In short, **RAM sticks do not need to match, but it is often beneficial to have matching modules for optimal performance and compatibility. Press enter and you should see an Xmp profile displayed. The problem is that the faster module will revert back to the slowest module speed. 35v. No matter the brand, speed, and size of the RAM, theoretically, you can mix and match RAM in your system, though it may prove to be problematic. There is no real way to confirm if it will work for you as these kinds of things must be evaluated on a case by case basis. If you're overclocking, you're no longer covered by JEDEC and should match as closely as possible, but for ordinary use, brand and model don't matter. 10,630. Your stick is 2x1066 = 2133 Mhz , 15-15-15-36-50 if you buy a stick that's 16-15-15-36-50, motherboard will run both at 16-15-15-36-50. Apr 3, 2023 · Apr 3, 2023. We also have a breakdown of double-sided vs single-sided RAM. Nov 4, 2020 · Generally, modern computers need two RAM sticks (called a kit) of the same size to run in what's called "dual-channel mode. I know similar topics have been talked about before. However, matching and mixing different RAM modules is not recommended for optimal system performance. Apr 8, 2018 · For example, article on laptop RAM, all you actually need to know if form factor, type of RAM (DDR/DDR2/DDR3/DDR4), and clock speed. published 5 June 2020. However, there Aug 4, 2021 · RAM can run in single-, dual-, triple-, or quad-channel modes, although you’ll need to match the number of channels to the number of sticks of RAM. But that does not ensure better performance as RAM works better when paired with the same size and frequency. Comments (17) The amount and specs Dec 12, 2022 · In short, the answer to this question is: yes. Feb 3, 2024 · Yes, as previously stated, you can mix and match RAM brands, RAM sizes, and even RAM with different frequencies. Go to the section where you select memory speed. May 5, 2022 · PC Format Magazine/Getty Images. Click the "Performance" tab, and then click "Memory. If you install two RAM sticks of different frequencies, both of them will be working on the lowest frequency. The only way to do this is to just buy a matching kit. The easy shortcuts enthusiasts use to choose RAM. There are a few important factors to consider when you’re picking out new RAM: size (in GB) and speed For ideal situations, the same capacity/speed/brand/etc are recommended to be paired. You can mix and match ram, but it can potentially cause issues and conflicts. Jun 9, 2006 · memory in different, but specific, combinations. If it's not aligned, you may have to 2 days ago · The CPU socket type often dictates compatibility; for instance, Intel and AMD sockets support different RAM types, such as DDR4 or the newer DDR5. Manufacturers can have different timings also. RAM plays a vital role in the overall speed and efficiency of your computer. In many cases you can also use a few memory modules in a special way and gain some extra speed. Remember: If you want me to see your reply - Quote me! Depends on the speed. If you want the best possible performance, then yes it does matter. I also read that for b-die rams it is safe to go up until 1,5 so i thought that maybe it will be more stable this way. 3000*8 gives us a total data transfer rate of 24000MB/s. Put all but one of the RAM sticks in use if you have four. Speed: This refers to how quickly your computer can store and retrieve data from your memory module. How to Choose the Right Memory: A 2020 Guide To DRAM. Simple answer, don't mix and match sticks of ram. The motherboard will choose timings that are most conservative , supported by both sticks. 31. " Aug 1, 2021 · 32. Although, I think the problem has lessened with the newer Intel chipsets. The ram should have the same voltage, speed and cas numbers. Less suitable for users who only need to check RAM compatibility. Sep 7, 2020 · Solution. Mar 4, 2014 · Well, in my experience going with pair memory is vital only for servers and some desktops, not all. Since the ICs on most performance-oriented memory modules have an 8-bit interface, eight of those make up a It's possible yes, with a lot of caveats. Looking at the products you are showing, there will be no need to adjust anything. 65 V. Looking to possibly upgrade my RAM from 32 GB to 48 or 64. And yes you need to have matched RAM in the same channel, for example: one matched pair in slot A2 and B2 and the other in Slots A1 and B1. If you buy RAM with different specs, then the memory controller will simply slow down the faster RAM to match the specs of the slower RAM. and 1gig sticks. Nov 21, 2023 · Matching RAM (Random Access Memory) to your system is crucial for optimal performance. When installing RAM, matching these sticks to the appropriate paired slots is crucial for dual-channel or quad-channel Feb 24, 2023 · Use the DIMM A2 slot for a single Memory module (4th slot). If the system hangs, then put the RAM away as it might be harmful. ) it most likely wont cause any performance issues. There's a notch near the middle (you can see it on the photo below) but slightly offset that matches the slot on the motherboard, to ensure that it only fits one way, Just line it up. Mar 5, 2024 · Interface can be overwhelming for some users. If you are going to mix the RAM, at least put the 16 GB sticks in the corresponding slots (0 and 2) and the 8 GB in the slots (1 and 3). Note the different position of the notches at the bottom of the memory below. Still, it is safer to get what you need in one kit. Generally, you should plug the sticks in alternate RAM slots and you should always have a pair of them. Dec 15, 2023 · Memory sticks can also come in different shapes and sizes, and may also have additional features such as encryption or password protection. This is more difficult when more sticks are involved. This gathers information and displays it in the 'DIMM info' box. Manufacturer shouldn't matter. If you’re getting two RAM sticks or more, then advisably the two should have a matching MHz size. #5. Adding an 8GB module to your existing 8GB, assuming you have a single module, will Jul 28, 2010 · In any case, I don't recommend it. Many people claim you can mix and match different RAM configurations, and that's mostly true. At 2666Mhz (speed that the CPU supports) the RAM should run with greater stability and cooler => will last much longer. Other information to look out for is the clock speed of the RAM in MHz. It acts as temporary storage for data that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) can access quickly, ensuring smooth multitasking and the seamless execution of programs and applications. In in 99% of all cases will automatically. 125 1 2 6. Timings and such can be important if you're looking at a high performance system, and timings can be more similar and closely matched with matched sets of memory. Better go with 2x8gb with identical ram sticks, you'll benefit from dual channel technology that litterally doubles your memory data rate! My laptop has 8gb (2 sticks of 4gb) of ram Dec 7, 2020 · Solution. IMO, since price difference isn't a major concern, you would be better off replacing the existing ram with a 2x8 setup if 16g is your goal. Be sure to align the notch in the middle with the notch on the slot. DDR3 won’t work with DDR4 slots and so on because the ports are shaped differently. This will allow the computer to run optimally when using the fast 8GB of ram, but slow down to match the speeds of the secondary 8GB of ram you're doing something that requires >8GB of memory total. Note that it is not recommended to exceed 1. While it is generally recommended to have matching RAM sticks for optimal performance, the short answer is no, your RAM sticks do not have to match. In fact, it wouldn't even physically fit. Aug 1, 2021. I am told by some techs that DDR4/DDR3 modules need to be matched by the manufacturer. A 512 mb chip on a RAM stick that is made in Japan is different than a 512 mb chip on a RAM stick that is made in China. Two different capacity memory modules will be just fine. (Although it is usually possible to down-clock faster Nov 30, 2021 · From my above details, i can see that Speed is different (default: 3200 MT/s, newOne: 2667 MT/s). Note: If you’re wondering whether it’s better to go with four 8GB RAM sticks or two 16GB RAM sticks, we have a standalone post covering that. Everything else the PC won’t know about (like the onboard RAM controller) or won’t care about (like SMALL timing differences between each stick). Jul 7, 2017 · 3. Excellent for building custom PCs, checks compatibility with other components. Latency: Also known as “timings,” latency refers to the number of clock cycles to complete a read/write task for your system Generally best practice to have them match, but as long as they're the same speed, it should be fine? I'd still recommend getting a 2x8 pair instead of 1x16 though. Dec 20, 2012 · Report abuse. have four slots, you can have 4x256meg, or 4x1gig, but you can’t mix the 256meg. 2. All the RAM used will only run at the speed and timings of the slowest RAM. Many people wonder if it is absolutely necessary for the RAM sticks to match in terms of their capacity, speed, or brand. Put in your new RAM. If you can’t, though, you’re not going to leave much on the table as long as you’re running the same capacity and speed. Dec 10, 2015 · Yes, it's a problem, but it totally depends on your motherboard and whether it supports it or not. 6 days ago · Once you turn on dual-channel mode, your PC will match 4GB RAM with 4GB of RAM to run 8GB RAM of dual-channel memory. Generally, it is not necessary to install RAM in pairs but most computers today support dual channel memory and there is a performance benefit to matched pairs. If capacity is mismatched, it will usually run in single channel mode only. Most users need about 8 GB of RAM, but to use several apps at once, you might need 16 GB or more. Dual channel configurations give you a nice Whenever adding additional ram don't expect XMP to work. Aug 4, 2011 · 21. If the specs Match up perfectly than it should work perfectly, if the specs don't quite match up then the faster stick will be used at the speed of the slower. Manufacturers often change out the dies and such on RAM, so even if it's the "same", there may still be differences later. The remaining 4GB will run in single-channel mode. That's if they work together at all, which is a Big IF. It’s easier to push higher memory Dec 11, 2017 · Q2: You absolutely have to consider the mobo, that is the component that determines which speeds of RAM can be used. XMP not working is very likely. Ideally, you install your faster ram in the primary channels, and your slower ram in the secondary channels. Here's an example specifications for a mobo which supports DDR4-2133 / 2400 / 2666 / 3600 / 4000. Scroll up and down to see all the information. The chips made in Japan are pretty widely known to be better quality and higher price than the ones made in China are. You’re not mixing RAM sticks with the intention of overclocking RAM chips. Jun 4, 2022 · Solution. tl;dr it might work, might not, it will take some tinkering. Aug 10, 2015 · Aug 10, 2015. If speed don't match all the ram defaults to the slowest ram sticks speed. The short answer to this question is no, RAM memory sticks do not have to match. Generally though, more RAM even in not dual channel will out perform less RAM. Thanks for your response mate. 5v to 1. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Also note that your current stick is only 2133 2400 Mhz and 2666 Mhz laptop sticks are common Dec 6, 2023 · To do this right, you need to know the type of RAM your PC motherboard supports and the maximum size the PC can take. You’re not trying to mix and match desktop RAMs and laptop RAMs. Deals. If they have not, then the motherboard reverts to a standard mode with lower performances. By Thomas Soderstrom. If you do buy more disparate sticks, they should be the same speed, voltage and cas numbers. Theoretically, quad-channel RAM should have double the bandwidth of dual-channel RAM, however, in the real world, you’ll find minimal performance difference between dual- and quad-channel memory. Laptop and desktop use different types of RAMs, which are not interchangeable. May 20, 2020 · Posted May 20, 2020. To do this, you will need to access your motherboard's BIOS and either over-volt the 1. However, if you are looking to replace your old RAM sticks with new ones, then you don’t necessarily have to match them. If you have an Option in the bios of Enable Ecc memory checking ect. You can do that, but it won’t work, or it will work ineffectively. Jun 27, 2020 · My question is this: should i upper the dram voltage from the bios because i added 2 more sticks? now it stands at 1. You can find out the total data rate of a RAM module by multiplying its frequency by eight. Thanks in advance. In this case, you could try a 8gb stick and see if it works. #1. Speed and size is what I've always heard. Nov 25, 2017 · So there should be 12 GB per channel, making a total of 24 GB. It's better to buy your ram in 2x or 4x kits for the best compatibility when using more than one module. Brand, almost never. Having this capability would allow for TWO SETTINGS of dual Channel. The whole point of the JEDEC memory standards is to let you freely mix-and-match memory sticks. . DIMM A2 and DIMM B2 (the second and fourth memory slots) would allow for dual-channel operation. Just make an RMA for physically defective stick and RMA each individually or better said kits individually because they will most likely require you to RMA a whole kit. 71. In general, faster DRAM is better. Aug 22, 2014. Dec 9, 2010 at 0:07. Jan 27, 2023 · The RAM sticks come from the same generation, like DDR4, DDR3, DDR2, etc. It might work fine, it might not. Aug 6, 2023 · The simple answer is no. If you have four RAM slots, always buy matched pairs of RAM (two sticks from the same company, same speed, and same capacity) for the best results. Even if you did just use the two 16 GB sticks, that will be more than enough. The ram you're looking at is mediocre and that's just putting it nicely. The best thing to do is to just buy an entirely new kit in the capacity you need now, and then flip the old ones on the used market. Mixing memory in a computer build is never the appropriate thing to do unless you are strapped financially and cannot afford to purchase a new set of the same memory you already have installed. RAM is a plug-and-play component that the operating system can detect and use automatically. Meaning you might be able. Same speed and timings, brand is meaningless, even same model may not always use identical chips. 05 V. 35v to 1. Dual Channel is when any two sticks of RAM are inserted (so a 4gb stick and an 8gb stick together would be "4gb dual channel" because only 4gb are 'shared'). As shown below SpeedFan Sep 29, 2020 · If a shortage of RAM is the source of your issues, you should be able to discover this by checking your system performance. 45. IOW, you can't set up a machine with 16GB, then buy and add in another 16GB later on, even though the model numbers may be identical. Oct 2, 2013 · That is why ram vendors will NOT support ram that is not bought in one kit. Most brands will allow you to upgrade the RAM and hard drive / SSD without voiding the Business, Economics, and Finance. You can have any size, any brand RAM together, as long as it’s the same DDR. If you use your PC for work, watching Netflix, browsing the internet, and perhaps playing the occasional indie game, you can Depending on your motherboard, you could pair an 8GB 3200MHz stick of RAM @1. If you are looking to upgrade your RAM, then you will need to make sure that the new sticks match the old ones in terms of size, speed, and latency. Under standard circumstances, your machine will auto-downclock the faster sticks to match the slower ones. I understand that some mismatches can cause, for example, an inability to use ALL of the RAM (obviously if the motherboard only supports 4GB per May 6, 2021 · A look under the edge of a module’s heat spreaders would reveal how many ICs are used. This is because the RAM’s basic function is to provide a temporary workspace for the CPU, and the operating system knows how to interact with it without the need for additional drivers. Also, some high end motherboards support Triple channel and Quad channel memory which means that for optimum results, you As long as they have the same specs and are the same capacity you should be fine. Double check the channels/slots though so your have 12GB on each channel (as opposed to 8/16) If the old ram has the same model and the specs as the new ram, you are probably safe to put them in together. Hold the RAM by the sides and insert it into the slot at an angle. Now there is more to know and understand about RAM and its useability. What to Look for When Buying RAM. We refer to the motherboard manual to determine which slots to populate first. I googled and came to know that. 0. Integrates RAM compatibility checks into a comprehensive PC building platform. Jun 12, 2017 · The answer is yes and no. #3. Jul 26, 2022 · Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time. You don't need to match them but it's recommended for the best gaming experience. The motherboard supports multiple input channels for RAMs, like single-channel, dual-channel, multi-channel, etc. it is possible to use non-identical sticks, but I always order from kingston so I can get identical sticks and lessen my possible headache or picky mobos+1 just the same as you are Jan 3, 2014 · 9. But for a "normal" system, there's no need to match memory. com. Jun 14, 2020 · In general, mixing RAM brands is usually fine, though there sometimes are weird incompatibilities so it's preferred to use the same brands. I'll buy the same spec one to avoid any throttling issue. RAM sticks do not need drivers. The slowest chip will dictate your timings, assuming it's compatible with your motherboard. Oct 5, 2023 · Whether mixing memory modules works mostly depends on their frequency, latency, size, rank, and memory chip used. In conclusion, memory sticks do not need to be exactly the same to be compatible, but they should meet certain requirements in terms of capacity, file system, and additional features. I want to buy the same RAM Stick to use my full memory size (16GB) and I've found one on corsair. PCPartPicker. If you absolutely need to mix RAM, I suggest choosing RAM with close to identical specifications. Oct 17, 2018 · There is no specific need for memory to be matched, either in size or speed; but there is some improvement in speed if you are performing the right kind of computing and you have matched memory. If the only differences within your two sets of memory is the timings and cas latency then you can try it out and see if it works. It's Here I want to share some tips about RAM buying guide and what should take into consideration. This means your PC won’t Jun 5, 2020 · DRAM. OR, 8 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB, 4 GB. Some allow you to mix, but you must mix in pairs. I understand that you want to have the same Ram specs in the two slots but can you The number of RAM sticks used depends on the motherboard, RAM sticks, and the number of memory channels supported. No. Generally, all RAM sticks must be identical to run in a dual channel configuration. Manufacturer Websites. Nov 8, 2022 · 5. If you're buying new RAM, you're probably going to make your life a lot easier by buying the exact same model as you currently have in your machine. Different capacities will be OK. May 19, 2016 · It runs at a higher frequency, so it's able to process your tasks at a faster rate. " Basically, this just means a PC is running on two sticks of RAM. Jan 2, 2018. I also found an answer here on superuser which makes the same claim. So if you. They are not the same sticks of ram, since they have different latencies, this can and will lead to instability for your system unless you manually set both stick to operate at the same latencies though IMHO, you should be looking at a matched set of rams that come out of the box for peace of mind. First and foremost, you should pay attention to check whether the memory module is for laptop or desktop when buying a RAM. To do so, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Windows 10’s Task Manager, and then click "More details" to open the advanced view. Oct 16, 2014 · Additional Notes: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. The likely technical explanation here is that your MacBook (motherboard) supports dual-channel architecture and thus requires two identical memory modules. Gareth. Also, depending on the setup & workload, you may not even notice a difference in performance (Read: When you can’t make use of more RAM ). Look at ram upgrades as you would with wearing shoes. kaphy. note: there are a lot of little parameters about RAM that should match timing/cs. I have 16 GB in my PC and do some pretty heavy things and never Jul 16, 2021 · My PC's current RAM Stick is 8GB and has the tested latency of "16-18-18-36". You can actually use other speeds but you would have to manually go into the BIOS to set the parameters. Jul 13, 2016 · Yes, with the same timings. In order to run dual-channel, the memory configuration on each channel must be a nearly exact match as far as the memory controller is concerned. For best system performance, it is always recommended to combine RAM sticks of the same brand, size, and frequency. Something else worth pointing out The specs should match. Try to use the same RAM if you can. answered Feb 3, 2012 at 21:55. He's our resident memory expert, and has gone through the RAM gamut May 28, 2024 · There is often confusion surrounding the compatibility of RAM memory sticks. ** While it is technically possible to use different types, brands, or sizes of RAM modules in a computer, it is not always recommended. You can't just buy the latest DDR5 RAM and stick it in a PC designed for DDR3. 5v or under-volt the 1. edited Sep 29, 2011 at 1:18. DDR3 is generally clocked between 1,333MHz and 2,400MHz, while DDR4 ranges from 2,400MHz to 3,200MHz. The best case scenario is getting the same IC, density and PCB rev. +1 for you. Memory doesn't have to be installed in pairs, but it is recommended in pretty much any modern motherboard as this is what enables Dual Channel mode which can (under some circumstances) dramatically increase performance. Sometimes mixing RAM can cause things to behave strange. Nonetheless, it is always smarter and better to just get the same exact RAM if you want to upgrade, to avoid having any issuses. There's also 2x8GB, if you don't need 32GB of RAM. Some examples: Some require that all memory sticks in the computer be identical. 4,535. Also the choice of the RAM slot also matters to ensure that RAM sticks work in the dual channel mode. If you get two modules of different speeds then the computer should run at the speed of the slowest modules. Sep 25, 2020 · Third-Eye said: If you mix your ram, the motherboard automatic settings will use the cas latency on the module (s) with the looser timing (higher number). If you don't have enough RAM, your computer will run slowly and May 13, 2024 · When it comes to upgrading or adding RAM to your computer, you may wonder if your RAM sticks have to match. In fact, I think he secretly does it in his spare time, too. 1. Feb 21, 2023 · Motherboards are designed for a specific generation of RAM, so you'll need to determine what you need. Dec 9, 2011 · Yes, RAM internals are a lot the same regardless of maker, but different chips do have different properties. Ideally yes, you want to match the same kit as what's installed for best results, however, duel channel will enable whether you are matched or not. Improve this answer. Try installing just the crucial 4GB module and see if it boots up. Apr 18, 2024 · Chris has tested more memory sticks than he'd like to admit. Usually, if the RAM has the same specifications (CLI, frequency, jedec norm, etc. Share. All the specs from this site are the same as my current RAM stick specs except the tested latency. Desktop or Laptop. Is 4 sticks of RAM better than 2? 2 Sticks of RAM are generally less expensive than 4 Sticks. So adding a single compatible memory should work if the specifications are correct. select the xmp profile. The general concensus is that the "perfect" ram to squeeze every bit of power for performance is CL14 @ 3200mhz. Mixing and matching will work for capacity, but at a cost of real benefit. Thus, DDR4-3000 refers to a RAM module with a 3000MHz frequency. Jul 13, 2016 · Check to see if Xmp memory mode in the bios of the motherboard is enabled. Aug 22, 2014 · 14,960. – user3463. However, there are a few factors to consider when mixing and matching RAM sticks, and it Do both RAM sticks need to be the same? You can usually use RAM sticks with differing specs without issue, but you will not have peak performance. Aug 28, 2019 · Each generation of DRAM represents an improvement in speed, latency, and voltage. Jul 27, 2009 · 19. Memory should be added in matched pairs (so, add 2x8gb or 2x4gb, not 1x8gb and 1x4gb), but As long motherboard supports given speed, density etc it is OK to mix RAM. On this site, it is "16-20-20-38". Mixing and matching is possible but it's requires alterations to the termination blocks and sometimes cad bus. tc vv qz ta do ah hu ja dd ek