A method performed by a memory controller is described. The method includes, during boot up, issuing a command to a memory to cause the memory to zero out its content. The method also includes bypassing a descrambler when reading from a location in the memory that has not had its zeroed out content written over the scrambled data. The method also includes processing read data with the descrambler when reading from a location in the memory that has had its zeroed out content written over with scrambled data.