A semiconductor memory device includes a memory core, a first interface to receive write data from a first set of interconnect resources, and a second interface, separate from the first interface, to receive from a second set of interconnect resources a column address and a first code. The column address is associated with the write data and identifies a column of the memory core in which to store the write data. The first code indicates whether the write data is selectively masked by data mask information. If the first code indicates that the write data is selectively masked, the second interface is to receive data mask information specifying whether to selectively write portions of the write data to the memory core.