1. A method of processing graphics data for a stream of graphics primitives, comprising: loading a pipeline with HEAD information for a predetermined number of graphics primitives; performing a test based on the HEAD information in the pipeline to determine whether or not a graphics primitive is to be rendered, the test having a latency of a given number of pipeline cycles; while performing the test, prefetching DATA information into the pipeline for the graphics primitive to avoid empty pipeline cycles during the latency of the test; and if the test determines that the graphics primitive is to be rendered, processing the prefetched DATA information for the primitive.