A system for handling requests that includes a set of memory banks coupled to a memory controller which comprises a set of read queues, including a read queue currently designated as the priority read queue. The memory controller loads read requests from an associated processor into the set of read queues. To process the read requests, the memory controller is configured to schedule the read requests of the priority read queue based on an availability of the associated memory bank, and if not in the priority read queue, also based on whether the read requests conflict with a recently scheduled read request from the priority read queue. Upon an execution of a read request from the priority read queue, the memory controller designates a different one of the set of read queues as the priority read queue, if the read request was at a front of the priority read queue.