Techniques are disclosed relating to implementation of gradient-type graphics instructions. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second execution pipelines and a register file. In this embodiment, the register file is coupled to the first and second execution pipelines and configured to store operands for the first and second execution pipelines. In this embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine that a graphics instruction imposes a dependency between the first and second pipeline. In response to this determination, the apparatus is configured to read a plurality of operands from the register file including an operand assigned to the second execution pipeline and to select the operand assigned to the second execution pipeline as an input operand for the first execution pipeline. The apparatus may be configured such that operands assigned to the second execution pipeline are accessible by the first execution pipeline only via the register file and not from other locations.