Read data storage controller with bypass read data return path

A method for returning data, comprising:

• receiving a request for data from a requesting device;
• receiving data from at least one data source;
• storing said received data in a storage array;
• simultaneously staging said received data in a bypass circuit;
• selecting a data return path of minimum latency from a plurality of data return paths for returning said data;
• and
• providing data from one of said storage array and said bypass circuit to said requesting device via said selected data return path of minimum latency based at least in part on at least one tag associated with each of said at least one data source.

A system for returning data, comprising:

• means for storing said data received from at least one data source;
• means for simultaneously staging said data received from said at least one data source;
• means for selecting a data return path of minimum latency from a plurality of data return paths for returning said data;
• and
• means for providing data to a requesting device from one of said means for storing and said means for simultaneously staging, via said selected data return path of minimum latency based at least in part on at least one tag associated with each of said at least one data source.