Eviction override for larx-reserved addresses

A method of storing values in a cache for a processing unit of a computer system, the cache having a plurality of blocks for receiving the values, and the blocks being grouped into sets, the method comprising the steps of:

• loading a first value into a first block of the cache;
• loading a memory address associated with the first value into a reservation unit of the cache used for atomic read-write sequences;
• making a reservation flag in the reservation unit active;
• loading at least one other value into another block in the cache;
• evicting a selected block of the cache wherein, if the first value is still indicated as being reserved, the selected block is a block other than the first block;
• and,
• after said evicting step, loading a new value in the selected block;
• wherein each of said loading steps includes the step of determining a unique set having a block that a given value will be loaded into based on a memory address of the given value and a preset mapping function.

A computer system comprising:

• a processor for carrying out program instructions;
• a memory device for storing program instructions and data values;
• means for interconnecting said processor and said memory device;
• and
• a cache connected to said processor, said cache having a plurality of blocks for storing data values used by said processor, and having means for overriding eviction of a block having a reservation for an atomic read-write sequence;
• wherein said eviction overriding means preemptively prohibits said block having said reservation from being chosen for eviction.