diff --git a/etc/sit.conf b/etc/sit.conf
index 80337f7..b2b4aa5 100644
--- a/etc/sit.conf
+++ b/etc/sit.conf
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ SCLASS_DIR=${SCLASS_DIR:="$SIT_PATH/packages"}
 # basic installation directory
 PREFIX_BASE=${PREFIX_BASE:="$HOME/bin"}
 
-MAKEOPTS=${MAKEOPTS:=""}
+MAKEOPTS=${MAKEOPTS:="-j$(cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep -c processor)"}
 
 # default platform for unknown platforms
 DEFAULT_PLATFORM="laki"