Memory priming and initialization systems and methods

The present invention provides systems and methods for efficiently and effectively priming and initializing a memory. In one embodiment, a memory controller includes a normal data path and a priming path. The normal data path directs storage operations during a normal memory read/write operation after power startup of a memory chip. The priming path includes a priming module, wherein the priming module directs memory priming operations during a power startup of the memory chip, including forwarding a priming pattern for storage in a write pattern mode register of a memory chip and selection of a memory address in the memory chip for initialization with the priming pattern. The priming pattern includes information corresponding to proper initial data values. The priming pattern can also include proper corresponding error correction code (ECC) values. The priming module can include a priming pattern register that stores the priming pattern.