REMEDIATION OF THERMAL IRREGULARITIES IN COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

In an example, a computing device is disclosed in which processing elements and other active devices may generate thermal irregularities such as hot spots on the casing of a computing device. In some cases, these hot spots may be undesirable from a comfort and usability standpoint or because they may result in thermal damage to system components. To remediate thermal irregularities, including hot spots, a localized depression may be provided in a casing or chassis to enlarge the air gap between the heat source and the bottom casing around the hot spot, so that the bottom casing skin temperature at the hot spot can be lowered with the increased air gap. A heat spreader may also be disposed above the localized depression to better distribute heat over a surface area. In some cases, ribbing may be provided to provide structural support to a heat spreader disposed over a localized depression.