diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index b19c1716d..d74360baf 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def check_compiler_available():
             tfile.write(b"int main(int argc, char** argv) {return 0;}")
             tfile.seek(0)
             try:
-                m.compile([tfile.name])
+                m.compile([tfile.name], output_dir=tdir)
             except (CCompilerError, DistutilsPlatformError):
                 return False
     return True