Methods and apparatus for cache-to-cache block transfers (i.e.,
intervention) when the state of the transferred block is in a
non-modified state and/or a modified state, without asserting a
hit-modified signal line, are provided. In one example, a first cache
holds the memory block prior to the transfer. When a processor associated
with a second cache attempts to read the block from a main memory, the
first cache intervenes and supplies the block to the second cache
regardless of the state (modified or non-modified) of the cached block.
In addition, an agent associated with the first cache asserts a "hit"
signal line regardless of the state (modified or non-modified) of the
cached block. The agent associated with the first cache does not assert a
"hit-modified" signal line.