Pixel load instruction for a programmable graphics processor

A pixel load instruction for a programmable graphics processor. The pixel load instruction may be used during processing of graphics data to load graphics data from a writable output buffer into a local storage element. Using the pixel load instruction may ensure that the graphics data loaded is current, i.e., any pending writes to the location storing the graphics data are completed prior to loading the graphics data. Furthermore, the pixel load instruction may be enabled and disabled for one or more writable output buffers by setting or clearing bits in a pixel load enable register.