diff --git a/pkgs/top-level/all-packages.nix b/pkgs/top-level/all-packages.nix
index d39ea798cc71..c8a9db36347a 100644
--- a/pkgs/top-level/all-packages.nix
+++ b/pkgs/top-level/all-packages.nix
@@ -1576,7 +1576,9 @@ let
     inherit fetchurl stdenv texinfo gmp mpfr mpc libelf zlib perl
       ppl cloogppl
       gettext which noSysDirs;
-    profiledCompiler = true;
+    # bootstrapping a profiled compiler does not work in the sheevaplug:
+    # http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=43944
+    profiledCompiler = if stdenv.system == "armv5tel-linux" then false else true;
   }));
 
   gccApple =