Abstract: Methods for enhancing the efficiency of SDRAM include dividing all of the data blocks into at least two parts and storing each part in a different bank of memory. Specifically, the first part of each data block is stored in the first bank of memory and subsequent parts are stored in other banks. Since every data block begins in one bank and ends in another bank, no memory bank is ever accessed twice consecutively. In this manner it is always possible to perform precharge and row activation for the next data access while finishing the present data access. The methods of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the storage and retrieval of ATM cells.