A data storage system implements out-of-order data transfer. In one embodiment, the data storage system can retrieve from a host system a scatter gather list (SGL) associated with a data read command and generate a memory access table based on the retrieved SGL. The data storage system can further retrieve data from memory, and at least some data may be retrieved out of order. Retrieved data can be provided to the host system using the memory access table, and at least some data may be provided out of order. Data retrieval performance can be increased.