A method for managing a multi-lane serial link is described. The method includes establishing a serial link between a number of integrated circuits across a first number of lanes. The first number of lanes are a subset of a number of available lanes on the serial link. The method also includes selecting to change a transmission state of a second number of lanes. The second number of lanes are a subset of the available lanes. The method also includes changing the transmission state of the second number of lanes while transmitting data on a number of remaining lanes. The method further includes synchronizing the first number of lanes and the second number of lanes.