A CAM array of compare memory cell circuits includes a decode column corresponding to each set, and each set includes at least one row of the compare memory cell circuits. Each decode column receives a set clock signal addressing the corresponding set and generates a set match signal in each row of the corresponding set. A column compare circuit generates compare data indicating a bit of a compare tag. A row match circuit generates, for each row, in response to the set match signal, a row match signal indicating the compare tag matches the binary tag stored in the row. Circuits and loads in a decode column employed to generate the set clock signal correspond to circuits generating the row match signal in each column of the CAM array to reduce a timing margin of the match indication and decrease the access time for the CAM array.