This invention relates to computers, and more particularly to a storage controller for a computer. The small computer systems interface (SCSI) controller is coupled directly to the local processor bus for controlling data transfer with storage memory devices such as fixed or removable media electromagnetic storage devices. The personal computer 10 system has a high speed local processor data bus 34, at least one logical processor device 32 coupled directly to the local processor bus 34 and capable of signalling through the local processor bus 34 an occurrence of the transfer of blocks of data, and a storage controller 40 coupled directly to the local processor bus 34 for regulating communications between the processor device 32 and storage memory devices 36. The storage controller 40 has a FIFO memory for transitory storage of blocks of data being exchanged with the local processor bus 34 and is capable of signalling through the local processor bus 34 the state of the FIFO memory. The processor device 32 and storage controller 40 cooperate for exchange of blocks of data between the local processor bus 34 and FIFO memory when the FIFO memory has available one of data to be transferred and space for reception of data and for emptying of the FIFO memory through the local processor bus 34 as necessary.