diff --git a/package/gcc/Config.in.host b/package/gcc/Config.in.host
index 8e22a4c155..b477fe56e7 100644
--- a/package/gcc/Config.in.host
+++ b/package/gcc/Config.in.host
@@ -66,6 +66,9 @@ config BR2_GCC_VERSION_8_X
 	bool "gcc 8.x"
 	# Broken or unsupported architectures
 	depends on !BR2_or1k
+	# powerpc spe support has been deprecated since gcc 8.x.
+	# https://gcc.gnu.org/ml/gcc/2018-04/msg00102.html
+	depends on !BR2_powerpc_SPE
 	select BR2_TOOLCHAIN_GCC_AT_LEAST_8
 
 endchoice