Methods and apparatus are provided for performing pre-emphasis of signals using buffer circuitry that is not dedicated to LVDS transmission. In an embodiment of the invention, pre-emphasis circuitry is provided to enable unused transistors of the buffer circuitry to increase the current that can be driven onto output signal lines, resulting in sharper signal transitions and improved signal integrity. In addition, circuitry can be provided that limits the duration of the pre-emphasis to a selected period of time, thereby conserving power and limiting the differential voltage between a given pair of transmitted signals.