Managing sparse directory evictions in multiprocessor systems via memory locking

摘要

Cache coherence directory eviction mechanisms are described for use in computer systems having a plurality of multiprocessor clusters. Interaction among the clusters is facilitated by a cache coherence controller in each cluster. A cache coherence directory is associated with each cache coherence controller identifying memory lines associated with the local cluster that are cached in remote clusters. Techniques are provided for managing eviction of entries in the cache coherence directory by locking memory lines in a home cluster without causing a memory controller to generate probes to processors in the home cluster.