How to test Kernel (*-sources)

In the past, a lot of people ask me how test a new kernel. This tip could help new arch tester.

First, emerge the new sources ( 3.4.5 is just an example, replace it with your ${version} ):
echo "=sys-kernel/gentoo-sources-3.4.5" >> /etc/portage/package.keywords
emerge -av =sys-kernel/gentoo-sources-3.4.5

Now go to kernel directory, try to enable all modules and check if them compile:
cd /usr/src/linux
make allyesconfig
make # don't forget to add '-j'

Might seem strange, but in the past, with allyesconfig, I found bug like this, not reproducible with normal config.

The next step is clean the past build and make your custom kernel.
make distclean
make menuconfig
make
make modules_install # if you use modules

Now try to boot with new kernel, and check if there are not bad message with:
dmesg

Now, try to reach a bit of uptime and if all is ok, please give a feedback.

This is a base guide to test {vanilla,gentoo}-sources. If you are testing a kernel with other/special features ( e.g. hardened/zen/tuxonice ), make sure that these features work perfectly.