One disclosed embodiment includes memory allocation methods for use by a graphics processing unit in rendering graphics data for display. The method includes receiving a buffer attachment associated with a first rendering pass. The hardware prerequisites for operation of the first rendering pass is determined. The method also includes receiving an indication to not allocate system memory for the received buffer attachment. Thereafter, it may be determined whether the received buffer attachment will be loaded from or stored to by the subsequent rendering passes. If it is determined that the buffer attachment will be accessed by the subsequent rendering passes, an error message may be generated indicating that system memory must be allocated. If it is determined that the buffer attachment will not be accessed by the subsequent rendering passes, the buffer attachment is rendered without allocating system memory.