A set associative cache includes a plurality of sets, where each set has a plurality of ways. The set associative cache has a plurality of replacement pointers where each set of the plurality of sets has a corresponding replacement pointer within the plurality of replacement pointers, and the corresponding replacement pointer indicates a way of the set. A cache command is provided which specifies a set of the plurality of sets and which specifies a replacement way value. In response to the cache command, a current way value of the replacement pointer corresponding to the specified set is replaced with the replacement way value. The cache may further include way locking control circuitry which indicates whether or not one or more ways is locked. By indicating a locked way with the replacement way value, a locked way can be overridden and thus be used for a subsequent cache line fill.