The simplest and fastest explanation as to why using a tiny bit of thermal paste and expecting the CPU cooler to spread it evenly does not work anymore is because over time CPUs themselves have grown bigger in dimensions.
What Is Thermal Paste and How Does it Keep Your Processor Cool?
Thermal Paste Application Techniques
My thermal paste just dried up completely. Is it necessary to have or is this what has been causing my pc to crash randomly? Lastly does it damage anything if I run
An actual useful guide how to apply thermal paste correctly (from Noctua). : r/pcmasterrace
How often should we change the thermal paste on the CPU?
Does Thermal Paste Expire: Everything You Need to Know - NabCooling
How to Apply Thermal Paste to a CPU
Cleaning Thermal Paste Off Your CPU: Step-By-Step Guide - GadgetMates
Spreading a thermal paste: how and how much?
How to Apply Thermal Paste - Intel