Abstract: A line of data is read from a line of memory. Intended data is specified by a random location and a random size within the line of memory. The line of data is moved into temporary storage. The line of data and a zero are multiplexed using a control signal to output a line of adjusted data which is automatically aligned to an initial point in an XOR buffer. A starting index of the intended data within the line of adjusted data corresponds to the initial point within an XOR buffer. An XOR operation is performed on the line of adjusted data and a line of data read from the XOR buffer to obtain a modified line of XOR data. The modified line of XOR data is written back to the XOR buffer at the same buffer locations as the line of data read from the XOR buffer.