Ring-based memory requests in a shared memory multi-processor

A system includes a plurality of processing clusters and a snoop controller adapted to service memory requests. The snoop controller and each processing cluster are coupled to a snoop ring. A first processing cluster forwards a memory request to the snoop controller for access to a memory location. In response to the memory request, the snoop controller places a snoop request on the snoop ring-calling for a change in ownership of the requested memory location. A second processing cluster receives the snoop request on the snoop ring. The second processing cluster generates a response to the snoop request. If the second processing cluster owns the requested memory location, the second processing cluster modifies ownership status of the requested memory location.