A technique for training links in a computing 
system is disclosed. In one aspect, the technique includes configuring a first 
receiver in a first port using a first training sequence or a second training sequence; transmitting the second training sequence from the first port indicating the first 
receiver is configured; and receiving a second training sequence transmitted by a second port at the first port, the second training sequence transmitted by the second port indicating that a second 
receiver in the second port is configured. In a second aspect, the technique includes locking a 
communication link; 
handshaking across the locked link to indicate readiness for 
data transmission; transmitting information after 
handshaking across the locked link. And, in a third aspect, the technique includes transmitting a first training sequence from a first port and a second port; and 
synchronizing the 
receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; transmitting a second training sequence from the first and second ports upon the synchronized 
receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; and receiving the second training sequence transmitted by the first and second ports and the second and first ports, respectively, in synchrony.