An apparatus and method is disclosed for reducing power consumption when sensing a resistive memory. A switch, with one end coupled to a terminal of a capacitive element at a node, is coupled from the other end to a bit line from a resistive memory array. A sensing device is further connected to the node, wherein the switch closes and opens to sample and store voltage signals transmitted on the bit line in the capacitive element. The sampled signal is then transmitted to a sensing apparatus that performs sensing operations on the signal.