not like this, that's for sure!
Anyone with crappy thermals on an XPS 9350 / 9360 this could well be what you have under the hood!!
From various sources learning back in the day my method is:
- Clean surface with TIM cleaner (if used before)
- Prime surface with small amount of compound smeared with plastic credit card or similar - nothing hard, sharp or metallic.
- Get as much off as you can - the aim is to help fill the microvoids only.
- Look up CPU guidance for where to apply the small amounts to target the cores. Some want TIM applied in a line, some a cross, some a blob.
- Apply a small amount of TIM as the relevant guidance.
- Mount heatsink (also pre-cleaned if used before), give it a wee twist (as manufacturer's instructions) and screw in position.