Methods, systems, and circuits for providing reception and capture of data using a mismatched impedance and an equalizer to save power are disclosed. A data receiver in communication with a transmission line, the data receiver having a termination impedance that is mismatched with respect to a characteristic impedance of the transmission line; and an equalizer in communication with the data receiver, the equalizer configured to receive a channel-transmitted data signal from the data receiver and to re-shape the signal to reduce distortion RC attenuation; wherein the circuit is configured to selectably operate in a first mode wherein the termination impedance is matched with respect to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line and a second mode wherein the termination impedance is mismatched with respect to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line and the signal is not recoverable but-for the equalizer.