Receiver architectures and related bias circuits for a data processor are provided. One embodiment of a receiver architecture for a computer processor includes a first linear receiver stage configured to receive a first input, a second input, and a first bias voltage. The first linear receiver stage is configured to generate a first differential output signal in response to a comparison between the first input and the second input. The first differential output signal has a specified programmable voltage swing that is influenced by the first bias voltage. The receiver architecture also includes a first programmable bias circuit coupled to the first linear receiver stage. The first programmable bias circuit is configured to generate the first bias voltage.