A graphics processing unit (GPU) includes a timing reference one or more processors configured to generate and provide, based on the timing reference, frames to a display system that supports variable refresh rates. The frames include a vertical blanking region having a first duration. The display system transmits information indicating an operation to be performed by the display system during the vertical blanking region of one or more subsequent frames. The one or more processors are configured to increase the first duration to a second duration in response to receiving the information indicating an operation to be performed by the display system during the vertical blanking region of at least one subsequent frame. In some cases, the first duration of the vertical blanking region is a minimum duration that corresponds to a maximum refresh rate supported by the display system.