Embodiments are directed towards apparatuses, methods, and systems including a pre-read command to eliminate an additional access of read data from a storage location of a memory device. In embodiments, a memory controller issues a pre-read command to store read data in a pre-read latch. In embodiments, the command is issued during a first access of the read data from a storage location in connection with a modify-write operation of the read data. In embodiments, the pre-read latch is located in or coupled to a selected partition of a memory device that includes the storage location that stores the read data. In embodiments, the memory controller subsequently issues a modify-write command to compare the read data stored in the pre-read latch with incoming data, to eliminate a need for a second access of the storage location during completion of the modify-write operation. Additional embodiments may be described and claimed.