SUPPORTING SPECULATIVE MODIFICATION IN A DATA CACHE

Method and system for supporting speculative modification in a data cache are provided and described. In one embodiment, a speculative cache buffer includes a plurality of cache lines and a plurality of state indicators. At least one of the cache lines is operable to receive an evicted cache line from a cache. The at least one of the cache lines is operable to return the evicted cache line to the cache if the cache requests the evicted cache line. Further, the plurality of state indicators is operable to indicate a state of a corresponding cache line of the cache lines.