PROGRAMMABLE HARDWIRED GEOMETRY PIPELINE

A graphics pipeline receives graphics data at an input. Processed graphics data is transmitted at an output of the graphics pipeline. A plurality of stages are present in the graphics pipeline. A first stage within the plurality of stages is connected to the input and a last stage within the plurality of stages is connected to the output. A selected stage within the plurality of stages includes a plurality of modes of operation including a first mode of operation, responsive to receiving a first signal in which the selected stage is enabled to process graphics data received by the stage. A second mode of operation occurs in response to receiving a second signal, the selected stage is disabled and data received from a prior stage within the plurality of stages is passed through to a subsequent stage within the plurality of stages.