A system is disclosed that includes a content addressable memory and an input register coupled to the content addressable memory. The input register can store a data word and the content addressable memory determines if the data word exists in the content addressable memory. The system also includes a power control circuit coupled to the content addressable memory for selectively providing power to at least a portion of the content addressable memory. The system includes power control logic coupled to the power control circuit to selectively reduce power to the at least a portion of the content addressable memory when valid data does not exist in the at least a portion of the content addressable memory.