I built a old rig few days ago, its running a core 2 quad, and I put a ultra thin layer of the stuff on it, and I do believe that people trying it with bad results have to know it need a ultra think layer, almost see through. You dont want any of it squeezing out from between the heatsink and the cpu getting on anything because as I have and other have mentioned, it does conduct electricity, just as liquid metal do, so apply it as if your applying that goop that will destroy your heatsink over time. But anyway, it was a choice of that or some really cheap crap I had laying around, the white stuff, with the consistency of toothpaste. With this cpu, my temps actually lowered 2 degrees, using the stock cooler. As far as a long term on my main rig goes, since its been many months. Temps have not changed, still the same, under load or not.
I just cannot stress that if you use it, it has to be see through thin, no more, no less, for thats what has worker perfect for me. And though it is a degree or two hotter then my Arctic tim I had some of, I myself dont see the need to buy anything else anymore to gain that back, for its running way cool as it is, no where even close to its thermal limits. But this is me, and Im happy, if your not, well thats you, Im not going to force you into changing your mind.
OH and as far as clean up, using a thin layer, all I use to clean it up with is 2 alcohol pads, takes but a few seconds, making sure to wipe to the center of the cpu, not the outer edges. If your having trouble removing it, then you applied way too much
