diff --git a/tests/pixelfed-garage.nix b/tests/pixelfed-garage.nix
index 92ef721..70e717d 100644
--- a/tests/pixelfed-garage.nix
+++ b/tests/pixelfed-garage.nix
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ pkgs.nixosTest {
 
       virtualisation = {
         memorySize = lib.mkVMOverride 8192;
-        cores = 8;
+        cores = 24;
       };
       imports = with self.nixosModules; [ bleedingFediverse garage-vm pixelfed-vm ];
       # TODO: pair down