I'm using Linux 2.6.0-test11, and it is definitely faster than the 2.4 versions of the kernel. The performance is definitely a lot better, and it may have to do with the pre-emptive kernel feature that is now present in 2.6. At least I think it is.
Will have to recompile though. Did not include the reiserfs support, so some of the partitions cannot be booted into. Also, the sound card drivers were'nt selected properly. I wonder what driver I have to use for the built in AC97 sound on the motherboard.