A data-processing system and method are disclosed, which include a cached processor for processing data, and a plurality of memory components that communicate with the cached processor. The cached processor is separated from the memory components such that the cached processor provides support for the memory components, thereby providing a diffused memory architecture with diffused memory capabilities. The memory components can constitute, for example, memory devices such as diffused memory, matrix memory, R-Cell memory components, and the like, depending on design considerations.