A magnetoresistive memory cell includes first and second conductive magnetic layers. One of the first and second layers is substantially “H” or “I” shaped. A separation layer is disposed between the first and second layers. In various embodiments, the separation layer is either conductive or nonconductive. In various embodiments, at least one of the first and second layers comprises one of a nickel-iron (NiFe), cobalt-iron (CoFe), or a nickel-iron-cobalt (NiFeCo) alloy. In one embodiment, the memory cell apparatus includes conductive magnetic reference and data layers. The data layer is substantially “H” or “I” shaped. A separation layer is disposed between the reference and data layers. The cell may be a tunneling magnetoresistive cell or a giant magnetoresistive cell. The separation layer is nonconductive in one embodiment and conductive in an alternative embodiment. In various embodiments, one of the reference and data layers comprises one of a nickel-iron, cobalt-iron, or a nickel-iron-cobalt alloy.