One embodiment provides a memory controller. The memory controller includes a memory controller circuitry and a set pulse determination circuitry. The memory controller circuitry is to identify an address of a target memory cell to be set. The set pulse determination circuitry is to select a positive polarity set pulse if the target memory cell is included in a positive polarity deck or to select a negative polarity set pulse if the target memory cell is included in a negative polarity deck. Each set pulse includes a respective nucleation portion and a respective growth portion. Each portion has a respective current amplitude and a respective time duration.