Patent ID: 6401212
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of operating a computer system comprising a memory, comprising the steps of:receiving a first request to perform a first prefetch operation from said memory, wherein said prefetch operation burdens a system resource; determining a measure of said burden on said system resource; comparing said measure of said burden on said system resource with a threshold at a first time; and selectively either performing said first prefetch operation or prohibiting said first prefetch operation in response to said comparing step, if prohibited, storing said first prefetch request; and further comprising the steps of: waiting a wait time after said first time; comparing said measure of said burden on said system resource with a threshold at a second time after said wait time; and selectively performing said first prefetch operation or prohibiting said first prefetch operation in response to said comparing step at said second time.