Methods and systems are provided for reducing partial cache writes in
transferring incoming data status entries from a peripheral device to a
host. The methods comprise determining a lower limit on a number of
available incoming data status entry positions in an incoming data status
ring in the host system memory, and selectively transferring a current
incoming data status entry to the host system memory using a full cache
line write if the lower limit is greater than or equal to a first value.
Peripheral systems are provided for providing an interface between a host
computer and an external device or network, which comprise a descriptor
management system adapted to determine a lower limit on a number of
available incoming data status entry positions in an incoming data status
ring in a host system memory, and to selectively transfer a current
incoming data status entry to the host system memory using a full cache
line write if the lower limit is greater than or equal to a first value.