A computer system has a plurality of computer servers, each including at least one central processing unit (CPU). A memory appliance is spaced remotely from the plurality of computer servers. The memory appliance includes random access memory (RAM). A photonic CPU link is operatively attached to the at least one CPU. An optical-electrical converter is operatively attached to the photonic CPU link. An electronic circuit switch is operatively attached to the optical-electrical converter and the memory appliance. An allocated portion of the RAM is addressable by a predetermined CPU selected from the plurality of computer servers.