A random-access memory (RAM) includes a plurality of memory banks, a memory channel interface circuit, and a metadata processing circuit. The memory channel interface circuit couples to a memory channel adapted for coupling to a memory controller. The metadata processing circuit is connected to the memory channel interface circuit and receiving a poison bit sent over the memory channel associated with a write command and write data for the write command. The RAM, responsive to the poison bit indicating that the write data is poisoned, stores at least one of: the poison bit and a code indicating a value of the poison bit in a selected memory bank.