Here's the
support page for your motherboard. Download the manual - the specific instructions for resetting the CMOS will be in there. Back when I had a socket 775 board, I had to remove the battery and then use a jumper on the board to reset the CMOS.
Hiya bonnestone - according to Intel's Ark, his dual core was introduced after the quad he's trying to use...I figure if the board recognizes the e7500, it should recognize the Q9450. <shrug>
If the board starts normally with the e7500...and doesn't POST with the Q9450....I have a feeling this (most likely) used part is dead... But, to make sure...
1) With the e7500 in place, try updating the BIOS to the latest version (if you don't already have it).
2) Then, replace the CPU, reset the CMOS, and see if it
POSTs. Oh, make sure none of the Q9450's pins are bent.
If that doesn't work...