diff --git a/configs/ruby/Ruby.py b/configs/ruby/Ruby.py
index 44d6bdfcc..c3a61e7d1 100644
--- a/configs/ruby/Ruby.py
+++ b/configs/ruby/Ruby.py
@@ -233,6 +233,11 @@ def create_system(options, full_system, system, piobus = None, dma_ports = []):
     ruby.num_of_sequencers = len(cpu_sequencers)
     ruby.random_seed    = options.random_seed
 
+    # Create a backing copy of physical memory in case required
+    if options.access_backing_store:
+        ruby.phys_mem = SimpleMemory(range=AddrRange(options.mem_size),
+                                     in_addr_map=False)
+
 def send_evicts(options):
     # currently, 2 scenarios warrant forwarding evictions to the CPU:
     # 1. The O3 model must keep the LSQ coherent with the caches
@@ -240,8 +245,3 @@ def send_evicts(options):
     if options.cpu_type == "detailed" or buildEnv['TARGET_ISA'] == 'x86':
         return True
     return False
-
-    # Create a backing copy of physical memory in case required
-    if options.access_backing_store:
-        ruby.phys_mem = SimpleMemory(range=AddrRange(options.mem_size),
-                                     in_addr_map=False)