diff --git a/hw/rtl/VX_platform.vh b/hw/rtl/VX_platform.vh
index 9eb4d279..20506a79 100644
--- a/hw/rtl/VX_platform.vh
+++ b/hw/rtl/VX_platform.vh
@@ -14,6 +14,16 @@
 `ifndef VX_PLATFORM_VH
 `define VX_PLATFORM_VH
 
+// synthesis only
+`ifndef SIMULATION
+`define SYNTHESIS
+`define NDEBUG
+`define DPI_DISABLE
+`else
+`define SV_DPI
+`endif
+
+`ifdef SYNTHESIS
 `define GPR_RESET
 `define LSU_DUP_DISABLE
 `define ICACHE_DISABLE
@@ -25,14 +35,6 @@
 `define NUM_CORES 2
 `define NUM_THREADS 8
 `define NUM_WARPS 8
-
-// synthesis only
-`ifndef SIMULATION
-`define SYNTHESIS
-`define NDEBUG
-`define DPI_DISABLE
-`else
-`define SV_DPI
 `endif
 
 `ifdef SV_DPI