FORWARD PROGRESS MECHANISM FOR STORES IN THE PRESENCE OF LOAD CONTENTION IN A SYSTEM FAVORING LOADS

摘要

A multiprocessor data processing system includes a plurality of cache memories including a cache memory. In response to the cache memory detecting a storage-modifying operation specifying a same target address as that of a first read-type operation being processed by the cache memory, the cachememory provides a retry response to the storage-modifying operation. In response to completion of the read-type operation, the cache memory enters a referee mode. While in the referee mode, the cache memory temporarily dynamically increases priority of any storage-modifying operation targeting the target address in relation to any second read-type operation targeting the target address.