Mastering x86 INVD: Safe Cache Flushing Guide
Understanding the x86 INVD Instruction The x86 INVD (Invalidate) instruction offers the ability to forcefully clear processor caches. This sounds beneficial—faster access to data! However, this powerful instruction comes with significant risks. Unlike its safer counterpart, WBINVD, INVD doesn't write back modified cache data to main memory before clearing the cache. This means data could be lost irrevocably. Think of it like erasing a whiteboard without first copying down crucial notes – everything is gone....