Method and apparatus for invalidating cache lines during direct memory access (DMA) write operations

A method and apparatus for invalidating cache lines during direct memory access (DMA) write operations are disclosed. Initially, a multi-cache line DMA request is issued by a peripheral device. The multi-cache line DMA request is snooped by a cache memory. A determination is then made as to whether or not the cache memory includes a copy of data stored in the system memory locations to which the multi-cache line DMA request are directed. In response to a determination that the cache memory includes a copy of data stored in the system memory locations to which the multi-cache line DMA request are directed, multiple cache lines within the cache memory are consecutively invalidated.