Out-of-order fetching

A system and method is provided for assigning job numbers to fetch requests that are sent to a memory system in order and completed by the memory system out-of-order. A unique set of job numbers represent addresses in a memory fetch list. A valid register maintains status bits associated with the set of job numbers that identify whether a job number is assigned or available. Bits in the valid register are set when an associated job number is assigned and reset when an associated job number is completed. On assignment, a priority encoder selects any lowest available job number based upon the status of the bits in the valid register. In the preferred embodiment, the lowest available job number is selected.