Abstract: A method for temporarily storing and retrieving 8-bit character information data for a magnetic disk information storage system in a number of 4.times.n DRAM buffer memory configurations. A virtual memory address for each of said 8-bit information characters is provided and each of the characters are organized into a 16-byte block. The virtual memory addresses are translated to corresponding addresses of memory locations in said 4.times.n buffer memory unit for storage of 4-bit groups of said 16-byte block in said 4.times.n DRAM buffer memory by selecting a row address for storage of said 16-byte block, by selecting a base column address for said 16-byte block, and by successively incrementing said base column address by 4 to provide additional column address for successive 4-bit groups of said 16-byte blocks. Each of said 4-bit groups of said 16-byte block are transferred through a 4-bit data bus to the various predetermined address locations in one of said 4.times.