diff --git a/pmb/parse/arguments.py b/pmb/parse/arguments.py
index 041aeb5a..044450fa 100644
--- a/pmb/parse/arguments.py
+++ b/pmb/parse/arguments.py
@@ -126,6 +126,12 @@ def arguments_qemu(subparser):
     ret.add_argument("--no-kvm", dest="qemu_kvm", default=True, action='store_false',
                      help="Avoid using hardware-assisted virtualization with KVM "
                      "even when available (SLOW!)")
+    ret.add_argument("--cpu", dest="qemu_cpu",
+                     help="Override emulated QEMU CPU. By default, the host CPU "
+                     "will be emulated when using KVM and the QEMU default otherwise "
+                     "(usually a CPU with minimal features). "
+                     "A useful value is 'max' (emulate all features that are available), "
+                     "use --cpu help to get a list of possible values from QEMU.")
 
     ret.add_argument("--tablet", dest="qemu_tablet", action='store_true',
                      default=False, help="Use 'tablet' instead of 'mouse' input "
diff --git a/pmb/qemu/run.py b/pmb/qemu/run.py
index 54bbdfc8..777fe7a4 100644
--- a/pmb/qemu/run.py
+++ b/pmb/qemu/run.py
@@ -146,9 +146,13 @@ def command_qemu(args, arch, img_path):
     native = args.arch_native == args.deviceinfo["arch"]
     if args.qemu_kvm and native and os.path.exists("/dev/kvm"):
         command += ["-enable-kvm"]
+        command += ["-cpu", "host"]
     else:
         logging.info("WARNING: QEMU is not using KVM and will run slower!")
 
+    if args.qemu_cpu:
+        command += ["-cpu", args.qemu_cpu]
+
     display = args.qemu_display
     if display != "none":
         display += ",gl=" + ("on" if args.qemu_gl else "off")