Intel is unlikely to issue an RMA for a chip that is throttling since that is most likely due to poor HSF install, or poor case ventilation, etc. It is not likely a defect in the chip. Newegg will probably just go ahead and give you an RMA.
I would carefully scrape off the TIM pad and keep it. Then I would use AS5 according to the directions.
If the AS5 didn't help, I'd clean it all off and put the original TIM pad back, reinstall the HSF on the chip so the TIM pad looks like like it should, and then try to get a replacement chip.
I would carefully scrape off the TIM pad and keep it. Then I would use AS5 according to the directions.
If the AS5 didn't help, I'd clean it all off and put the original TIM pad back, reinstall the HSF on the chip so the TIM pad looks like like it should, and then try to get a replacement chip.