diff --git a/projects/adrv9371x/a10soc/system_project.tcl b/projects/adrv9371x/a10soc/system_project.tcl
index af957fae5bb..a09126b14fd 100644
--- a/projects/adrv9371x/a10soc/system_project.tcl
+++ b/projects/adrv9371x/a10soc/system_project.tcl
@@ -138,4 +138,8 @@ set_instance_assignment -name IO_STANDARD "1.8 V" -to ad9371_gpio[16]
 set_instance_assignment -name IO_STANDARD "1.8 V" -to ad9371_gpio[17]
 set_instance_assignment -name IO_STANDARD "1.8 V" -to ad9371_gpio[18]
 
+# set optimization to get a better timing closure
+set_global_assignment -name OPTIMIZATION_MODE "HIGH PERFORMANCE EFFORT WITH MAXIMUM PLACEMENT EFFORT"
+set_global_assignment -name PLACEMENT_EFFORT_MULTIPLIER 1.5
+
 execute_flow -compile