A method and apparatus for improved performance for reloading translation
look-aside buffers in multithreading, multi-core processors. TSB
prediction is accomplished by hashing a plurality of data parameters and
generating an index that is provided as an input to a predictor array to
predict the TSB page size. In one embodiment of the invention, the
predictor array comprises two-bit saturating up-down counters that are
used to enhance the accuracy of the TSB prediction. The saturating
up-down counters are configured to avoid making rapid changes in the TSB
prediction upon detection of an error. Multiple misses occur before the
prediction output is changed. The page size specified by the predictor
index is searched first. Using the technique described herein, errors are
minimized because the counter leads to the correct result at least half
the time.