Dynamic partial shutdown of a memory-side buffer in a two-level memory hierarchy

摘要

A system and a method for emptying a predetermined area of a memory-side buffer (MSC) in a memory hierarchy on several levels are described. For example, in one embodiment, a computer system includes: a memory subsystem consisting of a non-volatile system memory and a volatile memory-side cache (MSC) for caching portions of the non-volatile system memory; and an evacuation engine for emptying a predetermined area of the MSC into the non-volatile system memory in response to a deactivation condition associated with the predetermined area of the MSC.