Dell Refuses to Replace CPU Thermal Compound

Last Thursday a Dell contracted technician replaced the system board in my notebook.

He did not replace the thermal compound when he re-installed the CPU and heatsink to the new motherboard. I asked why he did not replace it and he told me it was not needed. After contacting Dell they told me the same thing. I told Dell that their own service manual states:"Evenly apply thermal grease to the top surface of the microprocessor"
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9300/sm/sullivbk.htm#wp1000001

Dell stated:" "we don't have to do each and everything according to the manuals." and she stated further, "Because the manuals are for idle situations."

 

Everything I have read states that you can not reuse this Phase Change Material which is what Dell uses. You have to clean it from the cpu and heatsink and apply new material.

 

I have never monitored my cpu temps before this, but they are consistently around 50 degrees C with the fan kicking in constantly.It has gone as high as 61 degress C. I believe my cpu is running hotter because of this.

 

Do you think this temperature is about normal?

Is Dell right about this?

 

Inspiron 9300
Pentium M 740 Dothan 1.73 GHz