Interfacing with a graphics processing unit (GPU) in a computer system in a transactional manner is disclosed. Discovering feature data regarding the GPU includes determining if the GPU understands transactional-based communication and may be determined by query or by using a look up table (LUT) containing one or more configuration identifiers. Transactions include information including directives to be performed by the GPU and data on which to perform the directives. Transactions may be provided through an application program interface from a user level software module or possibly at the kernel level of an operating system. Transactions may be applied as atomic operations at a discrete point in time to prevent visible glitching or other undesirable display artifacts from being discernable on a display device (e.g., directly connected monitor or remote display device).