A receiver receives chip-level data items via a plurality of individual distinct path signals in a signal cluster that is wirelessly received. Channel estimates and timing reference signals, and lock indications of valid components values in the channel estimates are generated utilizing the received chip-level data items. Rake receiver fingers are assigned to the received individual distinct path signals based on the generated channel estimates and timing reference signals, and/or the lock indications. Each of the received chip-level data items corresponds to one of the assigned rake receiver fingers. At least a portion of the received chip-level data items may be combined utilizing the assigned rake receiver fingers. The generated one or more combined chip-level data items may be despreaded to generate corresponding symbol-level data.