[marshray]

Clearly paste was squeezed out from the entire perimeter of the CPU. Offset mounting is used intentionally for this CPU.

Probably there's less paste remaining on the south end of the CPU because that's where the mounting force is greatest.

If anything, there's too much paste remaining on the center/north end of the CPU. Paste exists simply to bridge the roughness of the two metal surfaces, too much paste is a bad sign.

My guess is that the MB was oriented vertically and that big heavy heat sink with the large lever arm pulled it away from the center and north side of the CPU.

IMO, the CPU is still responsible for managing its power usage to live a long life. The only effect of an imperfect thermal solution ought to be proportionally reduced performance.

[mrheosuper]

Many reviewers have tested that too much paste is not an issue, except being messy to clean.

[marshray]

The experiments comparing different paste and application methods I've seen only make 1-2 degree C difference. Which enthusiasts might care alot about, but most people wouldn't notice.