Method and apparatus for priority selection of commands

A method of accessing a resource in a computer system, said resource including at least one addressable memory location, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a first write command followed by a second write command, each of said write commands comprising a data element and an address in said resource;
• storing said first write command in a buffer means;
• determining whether said address of said first write command is equal to said address of said second write command;
• and
• overwriting said first write command in said buffer means with said second write command if said address of said first write command is equal to said address of said second write command.

A circuit for controlling access to a resource in a computer system, comprising:

• input flow control means for receiving a write command followed by a first command, wherein said write command and said first command are directed to said resource, said input flow control means transferring said write command over a first bus and said first command over a second bus;
• first buffer means for receiving said write command over said first bus, said first buffer means storing said write command;
• second buffer means for receiving said first command over said second bus, said second buffer means storing said first command;
• and
• output flow control means for controlling dispatch of said write command in said first buffer means to said resource, said output flow control means controlling dispatch of said first command in said second buffer means to said resource, said output flow control means causing said first command to be dispatched prior to causing said write command to be dispatched to said resource such that said resource receives said first command before said write command.