diff --git a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
index 06668abdccc7..4108faf42213 100644
--- a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
+++ b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ let
     };
 
     optimization = {
+      X86_GENERIC = mkIf (stdenv.hostPlatform.system == "i686-linux") yes;
       # Optimize with -O2, not -Os
       CC_OPTIMIZE_FOR_SIZE = no;
     };