I would say that it'll still work because if you notice, the hole does not show the inside of the chip or anything, it's the green part. also, if the hole was there fresh from the box, then AS5 or any paste you use won't damage it, i mean, c'mon~ that's where you're supposed to apply that paste. I don't think they made such a mistake that when thermal paste goes into the hole they made the chip won't work. btw, i never knew there was a hole on the chip... hmmm