An input output connector for a graphics processing unit having a graphics pipeline including fixed function units and programmable function units is disclosed. Additionally, a graphics processing unit and a method of operating a graphics pipeline are disclosed. In one embodiment, the input output connector includes: (1) a request arbiter configured to connect to each of the programmable function units, receive fixed function requests therefrom and arbitrate the requests and (2) fixed unit converters, wherein each of the fixed unit converters is dedicated to a single one of the fixed function units and is configured to convert the requests directed to the single one to an input format for the single one.