In one embodiment, a processor comprises a memory management unit (MMU)
and an interface unit coupled to the MMU and to an interface unit of the
processor. The MMU comprises a queue configured to store pending
hardware-generated page table entry (PTE) updates. The interface unit is
configured to receive a synchronization operation on the interface that
is defined to cause the pending hardware-generated PTE updates, if any,
to be written to memory. The MMU is configured to accept a subsequent
hardware-generated PTE update generated subsequent to receiving the
synchronization operation even if the synchronization operation has not
completed on the interface. In some embodiments, the MMU may accept the
subsequent PTE update responsive to transmitting the pending PTE updates
from the queue. In other embodiments, the pending PTE updates may be
identified in the queue and subsequent updates may be received.