Replacing M1210 heatsink with AS5, but DELL might not let me!

So in the next 3 - 5 days a Dell technician is coming to replace my faulty heatsink on my M1210. My GPU temperature when idle is ~80 celsius and finally, after many hours of troubleshooting and frustration, i figured out on my own through comparing the temperatures of my CPU, GPU, and memory that it was only my GPU acting up. Apparently, the thermal pad for the GPU is completely shot and it's causing my NVIDIA GO 7400 to overheat constantly.

I also ordered some Arctic Silver 5 (AS5) thermal compound in hopes that I can use it to replace the cruddy Dell pads and residue on the heatsink. My only problem is this: I'm not even sure the Dell technician will let me do that, and at this point if I am getting a BRAND new heatsink, is it even worth it to go through the trouble AND risk of doing that just for a few degrees cooler?

I COULD always save the AS5 for any future overheat issues, which will probably be likely given the quality of Dell's stock thermal solution on their thermal pads. Plus I don't feel like getting into an argument over voided warranties, risks, etc etc with a technician in my home.

So, should I use the AS5 when the Dell dude opens up my M1210 and press the issue if he gives me a hard time? Or, should I just be happy with a brand new heat sink (though it will probably be equipped with mediocre Dell compound) and save my order of AS5? After all, the techie can't leave my house unless the problem is resolved.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

 

IF you do that and DELL finds out, your warranty will be voided. And AFAIK the AS5 is not going to make a big difference here.

 

Well let me tell you that the thermal pads on my Dell have held up for 3 years with perfect performance, so don't believe the AS5 hype (I mean, it's good stuff but it's not totally necessary AND there are many comparable products out there).