According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a memory module. The memory module may include a plurality of memory banks configured to store data. The memory module may include a plurality of memory bank power down controllers, each configured to place one or more respective memory bank(s) in a power down mode. The memory module may include a memory module command interface configured to receive a handshake command from a memory controller, wherein the handshake command comprises a command to remove an indicated memory bank from power down mode.