A buffer random access memory has a first portion reserved for a defect table and a second portion reserved for data caching. A method of managing the buffer random access memory includes determining actual memory space of the first portion which is occupied by the defect table. This identifies unused memory space of the first portion of the buffer random access memory. The method then includes reallocating the unused memory space of the first portion of the buffer random access memory for use in data caching. Controllers and mass storage devices which implement the method are also provided.