Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products that facilitate a downstream port to operate in Separate Reference Clocks with Independent Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC) (SRIS) mode. The system can determine that the downstream port supports one or more SRIS selection mechanisms; determine a system clock configuration from the downstream port to a corresponding upstream port connected to the downstream port by the PCIe-compliant link; set an SRIS mode in the downstream port; and transmit data across the link from the downstream port using the determined system clock configuration.