diff --git a/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml b/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
index 25d6e4cc7..683438ae0 100644
--- a/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -22,9 +22,11 @@ env:
     CARGO_INCREMENTAL: "0"
     CARGO_PROFILE_DEV_DEBUG: "0"
     CARGO_PROFILE_TEST_DEBUG: "0"
-    # The workspace scheduler owns whole-binary slots. Eight fills the 32-core
-    # runner without making every harness fight for a CPU.
-    PA_WORKSPACE_TEST_SLOTS: "8"
+    # The workspace scheduler owns whole-binary slots. Eight over-subscribed the
+    # runner: timing-sensitive targets stretched to 250-270 s and their 60 s
+    # harness deadlines started timing out. Four bounds the tail while the package
+    # job builds alongside.
+    PA_WORKSPACE_TEST_SLOTS: "4"
 
 jobs:
     # Lint stays a cheap gate. The heavy package and workspace jobs start