Incorrect thermal paste application technique

That is a substantial amount of paste. I thought he might stop with one line but no...more is better right...umm maybe if you work for arctic.

They apply the paste like cream cheese or guacamole.

@redxps630​ Now that was funny...!

this video shows the correct amount of paste

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=wz7LAHn9u8Y

While the amount is suitable, that droplet of paste may or may not be spread evenly, depending on how the heatsink screws and angles being fastened.  I think to be correct in amount of paste will also depend on the application technique, the CPU type and the heatsink surface.  For example, a Xeon gold is 3 times the size of a Core-i CPU and is very wide with rectangular shape.  To ensure the paste can cover most surface, I have to use credit card to spread a razor thin layer of paste, similar to a factory pre-applied paste.  For heatsink, on some old Precision models, the heatsink has rough surface with in-lay copper pipes.  It requires to apply some amount of paste to fill the gap before attaching to the CPU.

Just make sure your thermal paste is electrically non-conductive . . . then you can be a little more aggressive with the application.

It is like cooking there are many good techniques.  In the end benchmark test is gold standard.