Embodiments relate to a semi-exclusive second-level branch target buffer. An aspect includes a system for a semi-exclusive second-level branch target buffer. The system includes a first-level branch target buffer (BTB1), a branch target buffer preload table (BTBP), and a second-level branch target buffer (BTB2) coupled to a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform a method. The method includes performing a search to locate entries in the BTB2 having a memory region corresponding to a search request. Based on locating entries in the BTB2, a bulk transfer of located entries is performed from the BTB2 to the BTBP. A state associated with the located entries is updated to encourage exclusivity between the BTB1 and the BTB2. Based on transferring a BTBP entry from the BTBP to the BTB1, a BTB1 entry is evicted from the BTB1. The evicted BTB1 entry is transferred from the BTB1 to the BTB2. 展开▼
