Patent Publication Number: US-11650634-B2

Title: Desktop electronic device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/940,871, filed Jul. 28, 2020, entitled “DESKTOP ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, issued Feb. 22, 2022 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,256,307, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/377,155, filed Apr. 6, 2019, entitled “DESKTOP ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, issued Jul. 28, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,725,507, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/964,973, filed Apr. 27, 2018, entitled “DESKTOP ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, issued Apr. 9, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,254,805, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/637,940, filed Jun. 29, 2017, entitled “COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE”, issued May 8, 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,964,999, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/263,222, filed Sep. 12, 2016, entitled “COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE”, issued May 15, 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,974,206, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/173,377, filed Jun. 3, 2016, entitled “COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE”, issued May 30, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,665,134, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/297,574, filed Jun. 5, 2014, entitled “COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE”, issued Jul. 19, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,395,772, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) to: 
     (i) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/832,698, filed Jun. 7, 2013, entitled “COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE RESULTING IN IMPROVED COMPONENT DENSITY AND THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS”; 
     (ii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/832,709, filed Jun. 7, 2013, entitled “INTERNAL COMPONENT AND EXTERNAL INTERFACE ARRANGEMENT FOR A COMPACT COMPUTING DEVICE”; 
     (iii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/832,695, filed Jun. 7, 2013, entitled “ENCLOSURE/HOUSING FEATURES OF A COMPUTER FOR IMPROVED THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND USER EXPERIENCE”; and 
     (iv) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/832,633, filed Jun. 7, 2013, entitled “THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF A COMPACT COMPUTING DEVICE”, 
     each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     This application is related to: 
     (i) PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/041165, filed Jun. 5, 2014, entitled “COMPUTER SYSTEM”; 
     (ii) PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/041160, filed Jun. 5, 2014, entitled “COMPUTER THERMAL SYSTEM”; and 
     (iii) PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/041153, filed Jun. 5, 2014, entitled “COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE”, 
     each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to compact computing systems. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to the structure and organization of internal components and external interfaces for a compact computing system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The form factor of a compact computing system, including its external shape and arrangement of internal components, can determine a density of computing power achievable. A densely packed arrangement of high-speed computational elements can provide significant challenges to maintaining thermal stability under varying environmental conditions. In addition, a user of the compact computing system can expect moderate to low operational sound levels and ready access to replaceable components. With continuous improvements in storage density and other computational support elements, the user can also require expansion capability to provide for customization and upgrades. 
     One design challenge associated with the manufacture of compact computing systems is the arrangement of structural components and functional components with adequate thermal heat transfer and acceptable sound levels when used in a fully functional operating state. An additional design challenge is to provide for user servicing of select components and ready expansion capabilities to supplement processing and/or storage capabilities of the compact computing system. Commonly available expandable designs, e.g., based around a rectangular box shaped computing tower, can be limited in adequate airflow and/or require complex heat transfer mechanisms for multiple computational units inside. “Tower” based computers can include room for expansion at the expense of an enlarged outer enclosure, with substantial “dead space” throughout. Alternatively, current portable computing systems provide highly compact designs with limited expansion capabilities, complex part replacement, and minimal user customization. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight, durable and compact computing system having a cylindrical cross section. This can be accomplished at least in part through a general computing system arrangement of internal components that cooperates with a monolithic housing to provide a compact computing system having a high computing power density in a compact and durable enclosure 
     A rotating and locking memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and locked position, an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a pressing force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position and the supporting member configured to provide structural support to transfer a portion of the pressing force applied to the actuator to an end guide opposite the actuator and to resist torsion of the memory module mechanism. The memory module mechanism allows insertion and removal of the memory module while in the unlocked position and restricts insertion and removal of the memory module while in the locked position. 
     A memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides comprising a first and second end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position, and an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing compact computing systems. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective external view of a compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a central core of internal components of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view of the central core of internal components of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a view of a first side of a central processing unit (CPU) board in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a view of a second side of the CPU board attached to a structural core/heat sink in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a top view of the CPU board mounted to a structural core/heat sink of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a cross sectional view of the CPU board mounted to the structural core/heat sink of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a view of a first side of a graphics processing unit (GPU) board in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a view of a second side of the GPU board in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a cross sectional view of the GPU board mounted to the structural core/heat sink of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a perspective view of the CPU board that includes DIMM mechanisms attached thereto in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates another perspective view of the CPU board that includes DIMM mechanisms attached thereto in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 C  illustrates perspective views of various embodiments of a DIMM mechanism. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a front perspective view and a back perspective view of an end of the DIMM mechanism in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 D  illustrates a view of embodiments of a DIMM mechanism in an unlocked position and in a locked position. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a top view of a wireless subsystem of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates another top view of the wireless subsystem of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a top perspective view of the components of the wireless subsystem of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wireless subsystem of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a perspective view of an input/output assembly coupled to a top mounted air mover assembly in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  21    illustrates another perspective view of the input/output assembly coupled to the top mounted air mover assembly in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a front view of the interface panel of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a front view of an input/output flexible wall assembly for the interface panel of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a back view of the input/output flexible wall assembly attached to the back of the interface panel of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a back view and a cross sectional view of a portion of the interface panel of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a method for illuminating an illumination pattern in response to detecting movement of the compact computing system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  27    shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a compact computing system in a stand-alone and upright configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presently described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a compact computing system that can be configured as a stand-alone device for placement upon, underneath, or adjacent to a work surface, e.g., a table or a desk. The compact computing system can be referred to as a desktop computer. The compact computing system can include multiple internal electronic components including at least a central processing unit (CPU) board, one or more graphics processing unit (GPU) boards, and other primary and secondary internal components. Although internal electronic components are generally rectangular in shape, the compact computing system can take on a non-rectangular form. One or more internal electronic component boards can be shaped to match a surface of the outer enclosure of the compact computing system, including for example, a circular shape to match a top or bottom of a cylinder, or a curved shape to match a segment of an arc conforming to a curved exterior surface of the outer enclosure. In representative embodiments as described herein, the compact computing system can be cylindrical in shape and can be configured to arrange a number of rectangular electronic components as a central core providing a form factor characterized as having a high component packing density (a number of components per available volume). The resulting compact computing system can provide a high computing power density in a small, lightweight, transportable form factor. In some embodiments, the compact computing system can also be coupled to other compact computing systems to form a multi-computer system that can be used as a server computer system (such as in a data farm) or as a network computing system having each compact computing system as a node (or nodes). 
     In a particular embodiment, the compact computing system can include a monolithic housing that can surround and protect the central core. The monolithic housing can be easily removed for user servicing. The monolithic housing can be formed of aluminum having an anodized aluminum oxide layer that both protects the housing and promotes heat transfer for cooling the central core. Aluminum has a number of properties that make it a good choice for the monolithic housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that can provide good electrical ground; it can be easily machined and has well known metallurgical properties. The superior electrical conductivity of aluminum provides a chassis ground for internal electrical components arranged to fit and operate within the housing. The aluminum housing also provides a good electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield protecting sensitive electronic components from external electromagnetic energy as well as reducing an amount of electromagnetic energy, emanating from internal components within the compact computing system, from penetrating the housing, thereby contributing to assisting to achieve good electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). 
     A layer of aluminum oxide can be formed on the surface of aluminum in a process referred to as anodizing. In some cases, the layer of aluminum oxide can be dyed or otherwise imbued with one or more colors to take on a specific color or colors. It should be noted that since aluminum oxide is a good electrical insulator, either the interior surface of the housing is masked during the anodizing process, to preserve the bare metal state of the bulk material in the masked region, or selected portions of the aluminum oxide layer are removed to provide a surface suitable for electrical contacts. As a solid metal structure, the aluminum monolithic housing can provide in part for thermal cooling while the compact computing system is operational. The anodizing process applied to the surface of the housing can improve heat dissipation caused by thermal radiation from external surfaces of the compact computing system by increasing the anodized surface&#39;s infrared emissivity. 
     As noted above, the housing can take on many forms, however, for the remainder of this discussion, without loss of generality, the external housing takes on a cylindrical shape that is separate from an internal cylindrical central core of structural components, internal processing components, internal storage components, internal power regulation components, and interconnect components. To maximize thermal cooling of the central core, the external housing can be conductively coupled to selected portions of an internal structural component that can act as a rigid structural element and as a heat sink. The external housing can have a thickness tuned to promote circumferential and axial thermal conduction that aids in mitigating hot spots on the external surface of the compact computing system. 
     A thermal management system can utilize an air mover that can be move copious amounts of air axially through an interior volume defined by the housing that can be used to cool a central core of the compact computing system in a manner that is both efficient and quiet. Generally speaking, the air mover can provide a volume of air per unit time in the form of an airflow of about 15-20 cubic feet per minute (CFM) when major components such as a central processing unit (CPU) and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU) are not being heavily utilized. However, when processing demand increases, the air mover can compensate for any increase in heat generated by ramping up the airflow. For example, in response to an increase in demand for processing resources from either or both the CPU and/or GPU, the air mover can increase the airflow from about 15-20 CFM to about 25-30 CFM (at about room temperature of 25° C.) with an acoustic output of about 35 dbA (it should be noted that these acoustic levels are only experienced when the air mover is performing at a higher end of its operating range during a period of high demand and not during more normal operation). It should be noted that at higher ambient temperature (35° C.), the air mover can ramp the airflow even further to compensate for the reduced thermal transfer at the higher ambient temperature. In this situation, the air mover can ramp the airflow to about 35 to 40 CFM or more having a higher acoustic output of 40 dbA or more. 
     A separation between the central core and the housing can permit an internal, bypass, peripheral airflow to cool a portion of the external housing helping to minimize a touch temperature of the housing. In one embodiment, the external housing can mate to a base unit that provides, in part, a pedestal to support the compact computing system including the internal cylindrical central core when placed upright on a work surface. The external housing can include a first opening having a size and shape in accordance with the base unit. The first opening can provide for a full perimeter air inlet, e.g. through circumferential openings in the base unit, and the circular design can allow for full functionality and adequate air intake even in those situations where the compact computing system is located in a corner or against a wall. In an assembled configuration, the base unit corresponds to a base of a cylinder. The first opening can be used to accept a flow of air from an external environment passing through vents in the base unit. The amount of air that flows into the housing can be related to a pressure differential between the external environment and an interior of the compact computing system created by an air mover assembly. The air mover assembly can be placed next to a second opening axially disposed at an opposite end from the first opening. 
     In one embodiment, the air mover assembly can take the form of a fan assembly. The fan assembly can be an axial fan assembly configured to axially move air through the housing by creating the abovementioned pressure differential. The fan assembly can also be configured as a combination of an axial and a centrifugal fan assembly. In an embodiment, air can enter the interior of the compact computing system through vents in the base unit. In one embodiment, a baffle arrangement can bifurcate the airflow in such a way that some of the airflow remains within a central column separate from a bypass, peripheral airflow radially disposed outward from the central column. The central column of air (central airflow) can thermally engage a heat sink structure to which one or more internal component boards can be mounted. The internal component boards can include processing units and/or memory, at least some of which can be thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. The bypass, peripheral airflow can pass over portions of one side or both sides of the internal component boards on which high performance processing units, memory, solid state drives, and/or power regulation components can be mounted. In order to optimize thermal transfer, at least some of the components can be configured and mounted axially (in the direction of airflow) and spaced appropriately to maximize an amount of air engaging the components distributed across the internal component boards. 
     In one embodiment, a vapor chamber in thermal contact with the heat sink structure, being placed adjacent to and/or attached to the heat sink structure, can be used to further increase an amount of heat transferred to the central airflow from the internal component boards. The high performance processing units and/or portions of memory can be thermally coupled through direct contact to the heat sink structure and/or the vapor chamber connected thereto. Both the central airflow through the heat sink structure and the bypass airflow across the internal component boards and other internal components can be used to cool the central core of the compact computing system and maintain the external housing at an acceptable touch temperature. 
     A good electrical ground (also referred to as a chassis ground) can be used to isolate internal components that can emit significant electromagnetic energy, e.g., a main logic board (MLB), an internal board with higher performance computational units, high throughput interconnects and boards, and/or other internal components with high bandwidth interfaces, from those circuits, such as wireless circuits, that are sensitive to electromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic isolation can be particularly important in the compact computing system due to the close proximity of internal components that emit electromagnetic energy and those nearby components that are sensitive to electromagnetic energy. Moreover, the external housing can include conductive material (such as a gasket infused with conductive particles) or other electrically conductive regions that can be mated to a corresponding attachment feature on the base unit or the top mounted air mover assembly completing the formation of a Faraday cage. The Faraday cage can block electromagnetic energy (both internal and external) effectively shielding the external environment from EMI generated by the compact computing system. In order to complete the Faraday cage, air vents in the base unit can be sized to effectively block and/or attenuate electromagnetic energy having a range of selected wavelengths. More specifically, the wavelength of electromagnetic energy blocked and/or attenuated by the vents can be consistent with that emitted by active internal components operating in the compact computing system. 
     In one embodiment, the compact computing system can include a sensor configured to detect whether or not the housing is properly in place and aligned with respect to the internal components. Proper placement of the monolithic housing is important due to the key role that both the shape and configuration of the monolithic housing has with respect to thermal management of the compact computing system as well as completing the Faraday cage discussed above. The compact computing system can include an interlock system that detects the presence and proper alignment of the monolithic housing with respect to the internal components. Only when the proper alignment is detected, the interlock system will allow the internal components to power up and operate in a manner consistent with system specification. In one embodiment, the interlock system can include a magnetic element detectable by a Hall effect sensor only when the housing is in a proper position and alignment with respect to the internal components. 
     Due at least to the strong and resilient nature of the material used to form the housing; the housing can include a large opening having a wide span that do not require additional support structures. Such an opening can be used to provide access to an input/output panel and power supply port. The input/output panel can include, for example, data ports suitable for accommodating data cables configured for connecting external systems that can provide expansion capabilities as input/output data transfer. The opening can also provide access to an audio circuit, video display circuit, power input, etc. In an embodiment, one or more data ports (and/or icons representing the data ports and/or groupings of data ports) can be illuminated to provide easier access to locating and connecting to the one or more data ports in reduced lighting. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective external view of a compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The compact computing system  100  can be arranged in a shape defined by an external housing  102 . An arrangement of internal components of the compact computing system  100  and a thermal management strategy can be selected to provide a computationally dense computing system having sufficient airflow to support high performance computing with the compact computing system  100  placed in a variety of physical positions. In the described embodiments, the external housing  102  can comprise a cylindrical shape having a first circular opening at the base of the external housing  102 , which mates to an air intake inlet/base unit  104  that can provide support for constituent components of the compact computing system  100 . The external housing  102  can also include a second opening located opposite the first circular opening, and the second opening can function as a combination of an air exhaust outlet and a carrying handle  106 . 
     When operational, an air mover assembly in the compact computing system  100  can cause air to enter through a plurality of circumferential openings located in the inlet/base unit  104 , to pass through an internal structural core/heat sink and across a plurality of component boards, and to exit through the outlet/handle  106 . The size of the internal structural core/heat sink, the arrangement of multiple internal component boards, the arrangement of computational and memory units on the multiple internal component boards, the design of attached power supplies, and the arrangement of high speed interconnects between various internal component boards can function in concert with the air mover assembly to provide a thermal management system that enables a high performance computing system in a compact, dense geometric arrangement, encased in the external housing  102  with an acceptable touch temperature. 
     The inlet/base unit  104  of the compact computing system  100  can provide support for the compact computing system  100 . Accordingly, the inlet/base unit  104  can be formed of a strong and resilient material, e.g., a metal that can also prevent leakage of electromagnetic (EM) energy from internal components within the compact computing system  100  that can radiate EM energy during operation. Thus, the inlet/base unit  104  can contribute to shielding internal components from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to blocking and/or attenuating radiant EM energy to support electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance. The inlet/base unit  104  can be formed of non-metallic compounds that can be rendered conductive using, for example, conductive particles embedded therein. In order to assure that minimal electromagnetic energy emitted by internal components within the compact computing system  100  escapes, a conductive seal can be used to complete a Faraday cage formed at least in part by the inlet/base unit  104  and the external housing  102 . 
     The inlet/base unit  104  can also include a series of circumferential vents extending around the entire inlet/base unit  104 . The vents can provide a suitable amount of air flowing from an external environment to the internal volume of the compact computing system  100 . In an embodiment, the amount of air flowing through the vents can be related to a pressure differential across the vents created by an air mover assembly disposed within the compact computing system  100 . In one embodiment, the air mover assembly can be disposed near the second opening of the external housing  102 , which forms an outlet/handle  106  for the compact computing system  100 , creating a suction effect that reduces an ambient pressure within the external housing  102  of the compact computing system  100 . In addition to facilitating airflow, vents in the inlet/base  104  can be sized to prevent transmission of electromagnetic energy into or out of the assembled compact computing system  100 . The size of the vents in the inlet/base  104 , in some embodiments, can be related to one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy emitted by internal components contained within the compact computing system  100 . 
     The compact computing system  100  can further include an opening in the external housing  102  that can have a size and shape in accordance with an interface panel  110 . The interface panel  110  can include various ports that can be used to communicate data between the compact computing system  100  and various external systems. For example, the interface panel  110  can include a set of audio ports  116  that can be used to provide an audio stream to an external audio system, such as headphones, speakers, or an audio processor. The set of audio ports  116  can also be used to receive an audio stream from an external audio system, e.g., a microphone or audio recording device. The interface panel  110  can also include a set of data ports, including a set of bus ports  118 , a set of high-speed expansion ports  120 , a set of networking ports  122 , and a set of video ports  114 . The set of data ports can be used to transfer data and/or power between one or more external circuits and the compact computing system  100 . The set of data ports can be used to accommodate a broad range of data connections according to different wired data communication protocols, e.g., one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  118 , one or more Thunderbolt high speed expansion ports  120 , one or more Ethernet networking ports  122 , and one or more high definition media interface (HDMI) ports  114 . 
     The compact computing system  100  can be interconnected to other computing systems through one or more of the data ports provided through the interface panel  110 , e.g., to data storage devices, portable media players, and/or video equipment, to form a network of computing systems. Accordingly, the interface panel  110  and associated data ports of the compact computing system  100  can be used to form connections from the compact computing system  100  to a large number and variety of external computing systems and circuits, which can prove particularly useful when a large amount of computing resources is required. Moreover, the compact size and shape of the compact computing system  100  can lend itself to space efficient computing networks or data farms, in some representative embodiments and uses. 
     The interface panel  110  can include a video port  114  that can be used to communicate high-speed video between the compact computing system  100  and an external video monitor or other external video processing circuitry. The interface panel  110  can include a power switch  124  that can be readily available to accept a user touch for initiating a power on sequence (including, for example, a boot up process) as well as a power down sequence. In some embodiments, the power switch  124  can be illuminated and provide an activity indication to a user, e.g., under software control of a processing unit in the compact computing system  100 . The interface panel  110  can include an alternating current (AC) power input port  112 , which can be sized and shaped to accept a power plug suitable for transferring external power to operational electronic components within the external housing  102 . In some embodiments, the compact computing system  100  can include internal power resources (such as a battery) that can be charged and re-charged in accordance with power delivered by way of power input port  112 . 
     The external housing  102  can include a mechanical latch  108  that can be used to couple the external housing  102  of the compact computing system  100  securely to internal structures of the compact computing system  100 . The mechanical latch  108  can take the form of a sliding latch or other such operable mechanism that can be manually engaged and disengaged. In this way, the external housing  102  can be easily removed in order to expose internal components and structures of the compact computing system  100  for user maintenance, upgrade, or servicing by a service center. A detection circuit (not shown) of the compact computing system  100  can be used to detect whether the external housing  102  is properly situated in place with respect to internal components and structures. The detection circuit can serve a useful function as the thermal management strategy of compact computing system  100  can rely on the proper placement and use of the external housing  102  in combination with the arrangement of internal components and an air mover assembly inside the compact computing system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the detection circuit can determine that the external housing  102  is not in proper placement or alignment with respect to internal structures or components of the compact computing system  100 , and the detection circuit can prevent the compact computing system  100  from operating, or at least from operating at full capacity. In one embodiment, the detection circuit can include a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall Effect device) located to detect one or more magnets disposed on the external housing  102  when the external housing  102  is properly placed and aligned on the compact computing system  100 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a central core  200  of internal components assembled together and positioned on the inlet/base  104  of the compact computing system  100  with the external housing  102  removed. The cylindrical shape of compact computing system  100  can dictate the arrangement of various internal components as well as set requirements for thermal management. For example, internal components of the compact computing system  100  can be arranged in an axial manner that optimizes both a component packing density (the number of operational components per available volume) and a computing power density (computing power per available volume). Moreover, the axial arrangement of internal components can optimize an amount of heat that can be transferred from the internal components to a central structural heat sink and then to a central airflow (not shown) that passes through the central structural heat sink as well as from internal components to a peripheral airflow  214  that passes across the internal components. For example, one or more memory modules  216 , e.g., dual inline memory modules (DIMMs), can be constructed from a substrate on which are mounted multiple memory chips. The memory modules  216  can be arranged along a major axis  210  of the compact computing system  100  parallel to the peripheral airflow  214 , which can pass across the multiple memory chips contained thereon. In order to optimize heat transfer from the memory chips to the peripheral airflow  214 , the memory chips, in some embodiments, can be mounted onto an underlying substrate in a manner that aligns with the peripheral airflow  214 . In this way, an efficient thermal transfer interface can be formed between the peripheral airflow  214 , which flows inside the external housing  102 , and the memory modules  216 . 
     In an embodiment, the central core  200  of internal components can include an exhaust assembly  218 , which can include an air mover assembly (not shown), disposed in close proximity to the outlet/handle  106  of the external housing  102 , and which can provide an exit path for an exhaust airflow  204 . The air mover assembly of the exhaust assembly  218  can combine a central airflow (not shown), which passes through a central structural heat sink of the central core  200  of internal components, and the peripheral airflow  214 , which passes over internal component boards and other internal components, to form the exhaust airflow  204 . The exhaust assembly  218  can direct the exhaust airflow  204  toward the outlet/handle  106 , and at least part of the outlet/handle  106  can intercept a portion of the exhaust airflow  204  in a manner that facilitates the transfer of thermal energy generated by internal components of the compact computing system  100  to the external housing  102 . A cosmetic shield  202  can be used to cover operational components contained in the exhaust assembly  218 , such as radio frequency (RF) processing circuitry and one or more antennas located on top of the exhaust assembly  218 . The cosmetic shield  202  can be formed of an RF transparent material such as plastic, ceramic, or glass. 
     Due to the electrically conductive nature of the external housing  102 , it can be preferred to use the external housing  102  as a chassis ground to provide a good electrical ground for internal components of the compact computing system  100 . Accordingly, a set of vertical touch points  212  on an input/output subassembly cover adjacent to the interface panel  110  can be formed of a conductive material and can be used to form a conductive path between internal components of the compact computing system  100  and a matching set of vertical conductive patches on the interior surface of the external housing  102 . To form a good electrical connection, portions of the external housing  102  that contact the vertical touch points  212  can be masked and/or laser etched during a manufacturing process to ensure the portions that contact the vertical touch points  212  are devoid of any non-conductive or insulating material (such as aluminum oxide). When the external housing  102  includes an aluminum oxide layer formed thereon, selected portions of the aluminum oxide can be removed to expose the underlying electrically conductive bulk material in locations that come into contact with the vertical touch points  212 . 
     In addition to providing a chassis ground, the external housing  102  can be used in conjunction with the inlet/base  104  and the exhaust assembly  218  to prevent leakage of electromagnetic energy to and from the internal components of the compact computing system  100  by forming a Faraday cage. A contact surface  206  of the exhaust assembly  218  can be masked or laser etched during a manufacturing process to form an electrically conductive contact surface  206  that can contact an electrically conductive gasket positioned inside of the external housing  102 . The electrically conductive gasket of the external housing  102  can contact the electrically conductive contact surface  206  of the exhaust assembly  218  when the external housing  102  is properly placed over the internal components of the compact computing system  100  and positioned to enclose the internal components in a securely latched position. The external housing  102  can also include an electrically conductive region on the bottom surface of the external housing  102 , which can contact an electrically conductive bottom gasket  208  mounted on (or formed as an integral part of) the inlet/base  104 . In addition, portions of an input/output (I/O) subassembly cover, which can include, embedded within, the interface panel  110 , can include bare metal regions that can also contact directly to corresponding bare metal regions of the inlet/base  104  and/or the exhaust assembly  218 . Select portions of the internal structural core/heat sink, in some embodiments, can also contact the inlet/base  104  and the exhaust assembly  218  when the internal components of the compact computing system  100  are properly assembled. 
     An effective Faraday cage for the compact computing system can be formed using a combination of the following: (1) an electrically conductive ring formed between the contact surface  206  of the exhaust assembly  218  and a gasket (not shown) mounted in the interior of the external housing  102 , (2) an electrically conductive ring formed between the bottom gasket  208  of the inlet/base  104  and the bottom of the external housing  102 , (3) one or more arc shaped electrically conductive regions along the bottom interior surface of an input/output (I/O) subassembly cover in contact with matching electrically conductive arc shaped regions along a surface of the inlet/base  104 , (4) one or more electrically conductive arc shaped regions along a surface of the exhaust assembly  218  in contact with matching electrically conductive arc shaped regions along the interior surface of the top of the I/O subassembly cover, and (5) vertical touch points  212  in contact with matching vertical regions along the interior surface of the external housing  102 . In addition, mounting points on the central structural core/heat sink can be electrically in contact with the inlet/base  104  and with the exhaust assembly  218 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view  300  of the central core  200  of internal components of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The central core  200  of internal components can be formed around a structural core/heat sink  310 , which can serve as a structural core to which internal component boards can be mounted. In an embodiment, the structural core/heat sink  310  can be shaped as a triangle, e.g., an isosceles triangle having two equal length sides and a third longer side, extended in some embodiments at each corner to form structural standoff elements. Cooling fins  311  can fan out from an inside surface of the longer side to inside surfaces of the two equal sides. In one embodiment, a central cooling fin can bisect the triangular central volume defined by sides of the structural core/heat sink  310  forming two similar triangular regions. In one embodiment, other cooling fins can extend from the longer side to the other sides at an angle related to a distance from the center cooling fin. In this way, the cooling fins can form a symmetric cooling assembly within the triangular central volume. The structural core/heat sink  310  can include three vertical stanchions  314  that vertically span a portion of the interior of the external housing  102  of the compact computing system  100 . Between each pair of vertical stanchions  314  a face of the structural core/heat sink  310  can span a portion of a chord that stretches horizontally across the interior of the external housing  102  of the compact computing system  100 . On each of the three faces of the triangular structural core/heat sink  310 , a vapor chamber assembly  312  can be positioned to contact the surface of the face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . In a representative embodiment, a portion of each face of the structural core/heat sink  310  can be removed to form a cavity in which can be inlaid with the vapor chamber assembly  312 . In some embodiments, the structural core/heat sink  310  and/or the vapor chamber assembly  312  can include mount points by which to attach internal component boards. The internal component boards can include one or more computational processing units, graphical processing units, and/or memory units which can transfer heat generated therein to the structural core/heat sink  310  through the vapor chamber assembly  312 . 
     In a representative embodiment, two faces of the structural core/heat sink  310  can be sized in accordance with a form factor used for graphics processing unit (GPU) boards  306  that can be mounted thereto. In a representative embodiment, a third face of the structural core/heat sink  310  can be sized in accordance with a form factor used for a central processing unit (CPU) board  318  that can be mounted thereto. In an embodiment, the structural core/heat sink  310  can be formed approximately in the shape of an isosceles triangle having two faces of an equal width on which to mount two GPU boards  306  and a third face having a longer width on which to mount the one CPU board  318 . In some embodiments, the longer width of the face of the structural core/heat sink  310  on which mounts the CPU board  318  can determine a diameter of the cylindrical central core  200  of internal components, and thereby substantially determine a diameter for the external housing  102  as well as for the assembled compact computing system  100 . 
     In an embodiment, each GPU board  306  can be mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  with the GPU and surrounding video memory facing (and in thermal contact with) the structural core/heat sink  310 , e.g., through a corresponding vapor chamber assembly  312  mounted on and/or embedded in the structural core/heat sink  310 . In an embodiment, a solid state drive  308  can be mounted on an outward facing side of one or both GPU board(s)  306 , in a space between the external housing  102  and the GPU board  306 . In an embodiment, the solid state drive  308  can be arranged as a vertical set of components along the vertical major axis  210  of the compact computing system and can be positioned centrally along the width of the GPU board  306  in a region having the widest space between the outer housing  102  and the GPU board  306 . The arrangement and placement of the solid state drive  308  can be determined to maximize an amount of airflow passing across the solid state drive  308 . In an embodiment, a CPU board  318  can be mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  with the CPU facing (and in thermal contact with) the structural core/heat sink  310 , e.g., through direct contact with a vapor chamber assembly  312  mounted on and/or embedded in the face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . 
     In an embodiment, full size dual inline memory modules (DIMMs) that support the CPU can be positioned in DIMM mechanisms  320  mounted on an outward facing side of the CPU board  318  (on the opposite side of the CPU board  318  on which the CPU and CPU socket is placed). The DIMM mechanisms  320  can be tilted into a locked position that angles the DIMMs toward the interior of the central core  200  of components in the direction of the CPU, e.g., toward a vertical centerline of the CPU board  318 . The DIMM mechanisms  320  can also be tilted into an unlocked position that angles the DIMMs away from the interior of the central core  200  of internal components, e.g., away from the CPU and in the direction of the external housing  102 . In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanisms  320  can restrict a user from inserting and/or removing the DIMMs when in the locked position and permit the user to insert and/or remove the DIMMs when in the unlocked position. The DIMM mechanism  320  can angle the DIMMs within a circle bounded by the exterior housing  102  when in the locked position and position the DIMMs at least partially outside the circle when in the unlocked position to provide access for DIMM insertion and removal by the user of the compact computing system  100 . 
     The CPU board  318  and the GPU boards  306  can be connected to each other and/or to an I/O board  324  through an interconnect board  316 , which can also be referred to as a main logic board (MLB) in some embodiments. In an embodiment, the CPU board  318  can be connected to the interconnect board  316  through a double row edge connector to a matching socket mounted centrally on the interconnect board  316 . The connection of the CPU board  318  through the double edge row connector can provide a compact arrangement within the central core  200  of components of the compact computing system  100 . In an embodiment, the GPU board(s)  306  can be connected to the interconnect board  316  through wide bandwidth flex connectors (e.g., flex cables). 
     In some embodiments, the wide bandwidth flex connectors can also function as baffles to direct at least a portion of airflow incoming from the inlet/base  104  to bifurcate and spread across the surface of the GPU board(s)  306 . Adjacent to the CPU board  306 , a power supply unit (PSU)  322  can be positioned between the DIMM mechanisms  320 . In and embodiment, a cross section of the PSU is shaped as a trapezoid to fit compactly between the DIMM mechanisms  320 , the CPU board  318 , and an I/O board  324 . In an embodiment, an external AC power source can be connected through the interface panel  110  and through the I/O board  324  to the PSU  322 , which can convert the AC power to one or more DC voltages. The DC power from the PSU  322  can be connected to the GPU board(s)  306  and/or the CPU board  318  through thin, flexible, flat, copper bus bars. The I/O board  324  can be mechanically connected to the PSU  322  and/or to the I/O subassembly cover  326  through which the interface panel  110  can connect the internal core  300  of the compact computing system  100  to the external world. The I/O board  324  can provide numerous high-speed interfaces for the compact computing system  100  through a common high bandwidth flex connector connected to the interconnect board  316 , which in turn can connect by additional high bandwidth connectors to the CPU board  318  and GPU board(s)  306 . The arrangement of component boards and other units illustrated in  FIG.  3    provides for a maximally dense computational core of components thermally coupled to a large structural core/heat sink  310  for the compact computing system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the structural core/heat sink  310  can be connected mechanically to a top mounted exhaust assembly  218 , which can include an impeller  304  and a plenum plate  328  connected to exhaust assembly  218  through which the exhaust airflow  204  can be drawn. In an embodiment, the exhaust assembly  218  can include a wireless subsystem  302  mounted within a cavity embedded in a top surface of the exhaust assembly  218  and capped by the cosmetic shield  202 . In some embodiments, mount points on the vertical stanchions  314  of the structural core/heat sink  310  can electrically couple the top mounted exhaust assembly  218  to the structural core/heat sink  310 . The structural core/heat sink  310  can also be connected mechanically to a bottom-mounted inlet/base  104 . In some embodiments, mount points on the vertical stanchions  314  of the structural core/heat sink  310  can electrically couple the inlet/base  104  to the central core/heat sink  310 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a front view of a first side  400  of the CPU board  318  including a centrally mounted CPU  402  flanked on either side by vertical DIMM mechanisms  320  mounted on the opposite side of the CPU board  318 . In some embodiments, the CPU  402  is mechanically and electrically coupled to the CPU board  318  by low profile thermal module  404  that cooperates with a flexible high strength spring mechanism (illustrated as spring  502  in  FIGS.  5 - 7   ) to compress CPU  402  into a socket disposed beneath CPU  402 . Fasteners disposed through openings  406  in CPU board  318  and engaged within threaded apertures of low profile thermal module  404  allow the compression of the CPU  402  into the socket. The low profile thermal module  404  is described in more detail in  FIG.  7   . The spring mechanism can be disposed on the other side of the CPU board  318  opposite of the CPU  402 . The CPU board  318  can have one or more openings  408  through which fasteners (illustrated as fasteners  504  in  FIG.  5   ) can engage attachment points disposed on the structural core/heat sink  310  thereby coupling CPU board  318  to the structural core/heat sink  310 . As described in more detail in  FIG.  5   , the spring mechanism can have openings corresponding to openings  408  that allow fasteners to be driven through both the spring mechanism and CPU board  318 . 
     In some embodiments, a layout of the CPU board  318  provides a high bandwidth data path through a double row edge connector at the base of the CPU board  318 , e.g., illustrated as CPU board edge connector  410  in  FIG.  4   . As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , DC power for the CPU board  318  can be provided through one or more DC inputs  412  arranged on a top edge of the CPU board  318 . In an embodiment, one or more flat copper interconnecting bus bars connect the DC inputs  412  of the CPU board  318  to the PSU  322 . In an embodiment, a DC/DC regulation section  414  on the CPU board  318  can regulate and/or convert the DC power provided through the DC inputs  412  to provide a set of stable DC voltages as required for the computational components mounted on the CPU board  318 , including at least memories mounted in the DIMM mechanisms  320  and the CPU  402 . By arranging the layout of the CPU board  318  with the DC power flowing from the top edge and the high-speed digital data input/output from the bottom edge, a compact efficient CPU board  318  can be achieved. In an embodiment, the bottom edge of the CPU board  318  includes a double row CPU board edge connector  410  through which the high-speed digital data input/output flows to a mating socket mounted on the interconnect board  316 . 
     In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanisms  320  include memory module sockets that are press fit connected to the CPU board  318 , e.g., in order to not require the use of surface mount technology (SMT) on both sides of the CPU board  318  simultaneously. In an embodiment, some or all of the components of the CPU board  318 , e.g., the DC/DC regulation section  414 , are arranged to promote airflow in a vertical direction from the CPU board edge connector  410  on the bottom across the CPU  402  and memories in the DIMM mechanisms  320  through the DC/DC regulation section  414  to a top mounted air mover assembly (not shown). As illustrated, the CPU  402  can be mounted on one side of the CPU board  318  oriented to contact the vapor chamber assembly  312  attached to the structural core/heat sink  310 . In order for the memory modules to be serviceable without removal of the CPU board  318  from being attached to the structural core/heat sink  310 , the DIMM mechanisms  320  can be mounted on the side of the CPU board  318  opposite the CPU  402 . As described above, in some embodiments, the DIMM mechanisms  320  can include a tilt and lock feature that angles the memory modules contained therein toward the interior of the compact computing system  100  when in the locked position and angles the memory modules outward to permit user accessibility when in the unlocked position. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a front view of a second side  500  of the CPU board  318  including a portion of a CPU spring  502  flanked by DIMM mechanisms  320  on a left side and a right side of the CPU board  318 . The CPU spring  502 , in some embodiments, can provide for attaching the CPU  402  to the socket and/or to the structural core/heat sink  310  through one or more attachment points, e.g. mounted on and/or integral with the structural core/heat sink  310  and/or the vapor chamber assembly  312  attached thereto. Force can be applied by fasteners  504  and  506  along CPU spring  502  to flatten it against the second side of CPU board  318  as depicted. 
     In some embodiments, the CPU spring  502  can include flexible metal bands  508  that provide the force for seating the CPU  402  into the socket. The CPU spring  502  can also include flexible metal bands  510  that allow the CPU board  318  to be coupled to the vapor chamber assembly  312 , thereby regulating an amount of force that is exerted when mounting the CPU board  318  to the structural core/heat sink  310 . In some embodiment, flexible metal bands  510  can cause about 30 pounds of force to be exerted when mounting CPU board  318  to vapor chamber assembly  312 . Flexible metal bands  510  can also be used to help keep CPU  402  seated in the socket. When the CPU board  318  is fastened to the vapor chamber assembly  312 , a raised portion of the CPU  402  can also be compressed when flexible metal bands exert the force upon the CPU board  318  through backer plate  509 , thereby causing the CPU  402  to be pressed directly against a surface of the vapor chamber assembly  312 . It should be noted that fasteners  506  can extend only into low profile thermal module  404 , allowing the CPU spring  502  to securely seat CPU  402  in the socket prior to installing CPU board  318  to the structural core/heat sink  310  with fasteners  504 . 
     In some embodiments, the CPU spring  502  can be formed as two separate structural units (1) to press the CPU  402  into the socket  604  and (2) to compress the CPU  402  against the vapor chamber assembly  312 . In some embodiments, the CPU spring  502  can be formed as a single structure performing both functions, e.g., as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . 
     In an embodiment, the CPU board  318  includes one or more DIMM connector sockets mounted on the second side  500  of the CPU board  318  opposite to the first side  400  on which the CPU  402  can be mounted. In an embodiment, the DIMM connector sockets are mounted using press fit connectors (instead of connectors that require surface mount technology). In an embodiment, the DIMM connector sockets accept full size DIMMs. As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the DIMMs connector sockets can be mounted along the major axis  210  of the central core  200  of internal components of the compact computing system  100 , which can provide for orienting the DIMMs to align with the peripheral airflow  214  substantially along their entire length. In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanisms  320  provide for tilting toward the center of the CPU board  318  into a locked position for use when the compact computing system  100  is operational and for tilting away from the center of the CPU board  318  into an unlocked position for use when a user of the compact computing system (or a service technician) inserts, replaces, and/or removes the DIMMs from the DIMM connector sockets. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a top view of the CPU board  318  mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  of the central core  200  of internal components of the compact computing system  100 . Between each pair of vertical stanchions  314  of the structural core/heat sink  310 , a vapor chamber assembly  312  can be mounted to a face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . In a representative embodiment, the CPU board  318  can be attached to the structural core/heat sink  310  through a set of attachment points  602  that project through (and/or are integral with) the vapor chamber assembly  312  along the face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . Fasteners  504  can be driven through the CPU spring  502  and openings  408  of CPU board  318  to engage attachment points  602 . In conjunction with CPU spring  502 , fasteners  504  can apply a force that both establishes a robust thermal contact between a raised portion of the CPU  402  and vapor chamber assembly  312  and securely attaches the CPU board  318  to the structural core/heat sink  310 . 
     As described above, DC power can be supplied to the CPU board  318  through one or more connectors (DC inputs  412 ) located at the top edge of the CPU board  318 . In an embodiment, the DC inputs  412  can be located on the top edge of the CPU board  318  opposite to the bottom edge of the CPU board  318  that can include a high-speed edge connector through which high-speed data can be communicated to the interconnect board  316 . On the left and right edges of the CPU board  318 , two DIMM mechanisms  320  can be mounted on the side of the CPU board  318  facing away from the structural core/heat sink  310  (and therefore on the opposite side of the board from the CPU  402 .) The DIMM mechanisms  320  can provide for guiding and holding in place one or more memory modules  216 , e.g., full size DIMMs. In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanisms  320  can be tilted inward toward the center of the CPU board  318  when in a locked position (e.g., when the compact computing system  100  is assembled and operational) and can be tilted outward away from the center of the CPU board  318  in an unlocked position (e.g., when providing for insertion and/or removal of the memory modules  216  from the DIMM sockets and DIMM mechanisms  320 ). 
     In one embodiment, a cooling fin (referred to as center cooling fin  311 - 1 ) can extend from first planar face  610  to a junction of second planar face  612  and third planar face  614 . In this way, the triangular central volume defined by heat sink  310  is bisected into first region I and second region II each having similar right triangular cross sections. In one embodiment, first cooling fin  311 - 2  spanning region I can be at first angle Ø 1  with respect to first planar face  610 . First angle Ø 1  can have an angular value that varies in accordance with a distance X 1  between first cooling fin  311 - 2  and central cooling fin  311 - 1 . Similarly, second cooling fin  311 - 3  spanning region II can be at first angle Ø 2  with respect to first planar face  610 . Second angle Ø 2  can have an angular value that also varies in accordance with a distance X 2  between second cooling fin  311 - 3  and central cooling fin  311 - 1 . Generally speaking, distance X 1  and distance X 2  are about equal, however, the number of cooling fins actually implemented in either regions I or II can vary as required for a particular design as can the various geometric relationships. In one embodiment, a summation of first angle Ø 1  and second angle Ø 2  can be about 180°. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a cross sectional view  700  of the CPU board  318  mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The cross-sectional view  700  of the CPU board  318  can correspond to a section line A-A depicted in  FIG.  5    through at least a portion of the central core  200  of components of the compact computing system  100 .  FIG.  7    depicts how the CPU  402  can be secured to socket  604  using low profile thermal module  404 . In some embodiments, low profile thermal module  404  can have an opening having a size in accordance with a raised portion of the CPU  402 . In this regard, the raised portion can pass through the opening of low profile thermal module  404  so that it can be in direct thermal contact with the vapor chamber assembly  312 . 
     In this regard, in addition to seating CPU  402 , low profile thermal module  404  can have threaded apertures into which fasteners  506  can be engaged. Fasteners  506  can pass through openings  406  of CPU board  318 , openings in spring  502  to engage the threaded apertures in low profile thermal module  404 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a view of a first side  800  of a graphics processing unit (GPU) board in accordance with some embodiments. A GPU  802  can be centrally mounted on the GPU board  306 , and one or more video random access memory (VRAM) 804 units can be positioned symmetrically about the GPU  802 . In a representative embodiment, the GPU  802  and the VRAM  804  can be mounted on the same side of the GPU board  306 , which can be placed in contact with the vapor chamber assembly  312  embedded within a face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . In an embodiment, a GPU thermal module spring can compress the GPU  802  against the vapor chamber assembly  312 , providing thermal coupling of the GPU  802  to the structural core/heat sink  310 , when the GPU board  306  is mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  through a set of attachment points  602 . In some embodiments, the VRAM  804  can also contact the vapor chamber assembly  312  to provide a thermal conduction path to the structural core/heat sink  310  when the GPU board  306  is attached thereto. In an embodiment, the layout of VRAM  804  around the GPU  802  can arrange the VRAM  804  to permit approximately equal airflow across and/or adjacent to the VRAM  804  when the GPU board  306  is attached to the structural core/heat sink  310 . 
     In an embodiment, the GPU board  306  can include one or more power connection points (indicated in  FIG.  8    as GPU DC inputs  806 ) at the top edge of the GPU board  306  through which DC power can be supplied from the PSU  322 . As described above for the CPU board  318 , the GPU board  306  can include DC/DC power regulation at a top edge of the GPU board  306  and a high-speed digital data connection from the bottom edge of the GPU board  306 . In an embodiment, the GPU board  306  can connect to the interconnect board  316  through a high-speed flex connector. In some embodiments, the high-speed flex connector also provides an air baffle to bifurcate airflow from the inlet/base  104  into a central airflow through the structural core/heat sink  310  and the peripheral airflow  214  across the surface of the internal component boards. In an embodiment, the high-speed flex connector also spreads the peripheral airflow  214  to provide airflow along the outer sections of the GPU board  306 , e.g., across and/or adjacent to the VRAM  804 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a second side  900  of the GPU board  306  in accordance with some embodiments. As described above, the GPU board  306  can be mounted with the GPU  802  and VRAM  804  facing toward and in thermal contact with the structural core/heat sink  310 , e.g., using attachment points  602  that are connected to and/or an integral part of the structural core/heat sink  310  and/or the vapor chamber assembly  312 . In an embodiment, a GPU thermal module spring  902  can be used at least in part to attach the GPU board  306  to the structural core/heat sink  310  by the attachment points  602 . In an embodiment, the GPU thermal module spring  902  can compress the GPU  802  against the vapor chamber assembly  312  to provide positive thermal contact between the GPU  802  and the structural core/heat sink  310 , e.g., through the vapor chamber assembly  312  mounted on and/or embedded in the face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . 
     In some embodiments, the GPU thermal module spring  902  can also cause all or a portion of the VRAM  804  adjacent to the GPU  802  to contact the vapor chamber assembly  312 , thereby providing thermal contact for cooling of the VRAM  804 . In some embodiments, the GPU board  306  can be provided one or more DC voltages through one or more GPU DC inputs  806  located at a top edge of the GPU board  306 . In some embodiments, a DC/DC regulation section  414  can regulate and convert the one or more DC voltages to provide DC power to the components of the GPU board  306 . In an embodiment, the GPU board  306  can include a GPU rigid flex connector socket  904  located along a bottom edge, (opposite of the top edge to which the DC power can be supplied), through which a high-speed flex connector can communicate data to the interconnect board  316 . In some embodiments, a solid state drive (SSD)  308  can be mounted along the major axis  210  of the GPU board  306  in the center (side to side) of the GPU board  306  across the back side of the GPU  802  and spanning the GPU thermal module spring  902 , as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . In an embodiment, a layout of components on the GPU board  306  can place taller components toward a central middle line (top to bottom) of the GPU board  306  and shorter components toward the outer sides of the GPU board  306 . 
     In some embodiments, multiple components of the GPU board  306  can be stacked along a central major axis  210  of the GPU board  306  (e.g., GPU  802 , GPU thermal module spring  902 , and SSD  308 ) in a region of the interior of the compact computing system that can accommodate a greater height of components than adjacent regions. In some embodiments, the GPU board  306 , when mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  and placed on the inlet/base  104  within the external housing  102 , can form a segment of a chord across the interior of the external housing  102 , with a larger volume available for component placement along the middle of the segment of the chord and a smaller volume available for component placement along the outer portions of the segment of the chord. In some embodiments, component placement on the GPU board  306  can be arranged to accommodate the volume constraints imposed by the position of the GPU board  306  relative to the external housing  102 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a cross sectional view  1000  of the GPU board  306  mounted to the structural core/heat sink  310  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The cross sectional view  1000  can correspond in some embodiments, to a view that cuts along line B indicated in  FIG.  9    through at least a portion of the central core  200  of components of the compact computing system  100 . The GPU board  306  can be mounted to a face of the structural core/heat sink  310  with the GPU  802  contacting a surface of the vapor chamber assembly  312 , which can be attached to and/or embedded in the face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . The GPU thermal module spring  902 , in an embodiment, can compress the GPU  802  against the vapor chamber assembly  312 . In an embodiment, the GPU board  306  can attach to the structural core/heat sink  310  through a set of attachment points  602  that protrude from the structural core/heat sink. In an embodiment, separate GPU boards  306  can be mounted to each of two faces of the structural core/heat sink  310 , and the CPU board  318  can mount to a third face of the structural core/heat sink  310 . In an embodiment, the solid state drive  308  can mount across the GPU thermal module spring  902  on side of the GPU board  306  opposite to the side on which the GPU  802  can be mounted. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a perspective view  1100  of the CPU board  318  that includes DIMM mechanisms  320  attached thereto in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, the CPU board  318  includes a CPU  402  mounted on a side opposite the CPU spring  502  illustrated in  FIG.  11   . In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanisms  320  and the CPU  402  are mounted on opposite sides of the CPU board  318 . In an embodiment, DC power is supplied through one or more DC inputs  412  at a top edge of the board above the CPU  402 , and high-speed digital signals are communicated through a bottom edge of the board below the CPU  402 , e.g., through the CPU board edge connector  410 . In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  provides a guide, torsional support, a tilting function, and a lock/unlock function for memory modules  216  installed therein. In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  includes a DIMM mechanism actuator  1104 , which the user can engage to tilt, to lock, and to unlock the DIMM mechanism  320 . It should be noted that although actuator  1104  is hereinafter referred to as button  1104 , it is contemplated that any type of mechanism suitable for actuating DIMM mechanism  320  is possible. 
     In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  includes guides to seat the memory modules  216  into a DIMM connector base  1102  mounted to the CPU board  318 . In an embodiment, the DIMM connector base  1102  is mounted to the CPU board  318  as a press fit connector. In an embodiment, the user can engage the DIMM mechanism  320  by pushing on the DIMM mechanism button  1104  to switch the DIMM mechanism  320  from an unlocked (tilted outward) position to a locked (tilted inward) position, e.g., to lock the memory securely in sockets in the DIMM connector base  1102 . The user can also engage the DIMM mechanism  320  by pushing on the DIMM mechanism button  1104  to switch the DIMM mechanism  320  from the locked position to an unlocked position, e.g., in order to remove, replace, or install memory modules  216  in the DIMM mechanism  320 . In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  provides for a short over-travel distance when a user presses the DIMM mechanism button  1104  and the DIMM mechanism  320  is in the locked position. In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  provides for a spring-loaded action to tilt the DIMM mechanism  320  from the inward locked position to an outward unlocked position after the user presses the DIMM mechanism button  1104 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates another perspective view  1200  of the CPU board  318  that includes DIMM mechanisms  320  attached thereto in accordance with some embodiments. The DIMM mechanisms  320  illustrated in  FIG.  11    are populated with memory modules  216  installed, while the DIMM mechanisms  320  illustrated in  FIG.  12    are empty, with no memory modules  216  installed. The DIMM mechanism  320  can include a torsion bar  1202  that links the two ends of the DIMM mechanism  320  together and provides for force applied to one end of the DIMM mechanism  320 , e.g., to the DIMM mechanism button  1104 , to transfer and apply to the other end of the DIMM mechanism  320 . The DIMM mechanism  320  can also include DIMM guides  1204  that assist the user to properly align and seat the memory modules  216  when inserting into the DIMM mechanism  320  to connect with the DIMM connector base  1102 . In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  can accommodate memory modules  216  that are “full size” DIMMs having a length of approximately 133 mm, (e.g., as used in desktop personal computers). 
     In an embodiment, the DIMM mechanism  320  can accept insertion of the memory modules  216  at an acute angle (not perpendicular) to the DIMM connector base  1102 . In some embodiments, a user can insert a memory module  216  into the DIMM mechanism  320  at an acute angle in an unlocked position and rotate the DIMM mechanism  320  into a locked position by pressing at one side of the DIMM mechanism  320 , e.g., on the DIMM mechanism button  1104 . In some embodiments, the torsion bar  1202  of the DIMM mechanism  320  transfers at least a portion of a force exerted by the user on one end of the DIMM mechanism  320 , e.g., by pressing the DIMM mechanism button  1104 , to an opposite end of the DIMM mechanism  320 , e.g., to assist in rotating, locking, positioning, and/or actuating the full length DIMM in a socket of the DIMM connector base  1102 . 
       FIG.  13 A  illustrates a front perspective view  1300  and a back perspective view  1310  of the DIMM mechanism  320  in accordance with some embodiments. Each end of the DIMM mechanism  320  can include a push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  that provides for angling the DIMM mechanism  320  (including the memory modules  216  installed therein) into an interior of the compact computing system  100  when in a locked, operational position and angling at least a portion of the DIMM mechanism  320  outside a circular region bounded by the external housing  102  when in an unlocked position for installation and removal of the memory modules  216 . Each end of the DIMM mechanism  320  connects to an opposing end of the DIMM mechanism  320  by the torsion bar  1202 . 
     One end of the DIMM mechanism  320  can include the DIMM mechanism button  1104 , through which the user can press to tilt the DIMM mechanism  320  into a locked position or to release the DIMM mechanism  320  from a locked position into an unlocked position. In an embodiment, as the DIMM mechanism  320  tilts, the memory modules  216  contained therein also tilt. In some embodiments, a user can press on one or multiple surfaces of the DIMM mechanism  320  to tilt the memory modules  216  into a locked position or into an unlocked position. In some embodiments, a user can press on a surface of the memory module  216  to tilt the DIMM mechanism  320  (and the memory modules  216  contained therein) into a locked position or to release a latch and tilt the DIMM mechanism  320  (and the memory modules  216  contained therein) into an unlocked position. In some embodiments, “lock” and “unlock” (and other forms of these words) can also be referred to as “latch” and “unlatch” (as well as other synonymous words). 
       FIGS.  13 B and  13 C  illustrates another embodiment of a dual inline memory module (DIMM) mechanism. More specifically,  FIG.  13 B  shows front perspective view of DIMM mechanism  1320  in a closed, or latched, configuration whereas  FIG.  13 C  shows DIMM mechanism  1320  in an open, or unlatched, configuration. In an embodiment, in the unlocked position, the memory modules  216  positioned within the DIMM mechanism  1320  are substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board to which the DIMM mechanism  1320  can be attached through the DIMM connector base  1102 . In this embodiment, DIMM mechanism  1320  can include first actuator  1322  and second actuator  1324 . In an embodiment, first actuator  1322  and second actuator  1324  are configured to present an appearance of a single piece in keeping with presenting a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In any case, first actuator  1322  and second actuator  1324  are designed in such a way as to resist opening (unlatching) of DIMM mechanism  1320  in spite of a high shock load applied to housing  102 . More specifically, unless acted upon in a specific manner, DIMM mechanism  1320  remains in the latched configuration thereby securing dual inline memory module (DIMM)  216  within. Accordingly, DIMM mechanism  1320  can secure DIMM  216  in the latched configuration whereas DIMM mechanism  1320  can render DIMM  216  accessible and available for removal (or replacement) in the unlatched configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG.  13 B , first actuator  1322  and second actuator  1324  are co-planar with respect to each other presenting a compact, well defined, and aesthetically pleasing structure. In order to access and release DIMM  216  secured by DIMM mechanism  1320  (or make DIMM mechanism  1320  available to receive a new or replacement DIMM), first force F 1  can be applied directly to actuator  1322 . In an embodiment, first force F 1  must overcome a biasing force applied by a biasing member (shown in more detail in  FIG.  15 B ) that causes first actuator  1322  to move about pivot  1326  causing DIMM locking mechanism  1328  to tilt from a locked position as shown in  FIG.  13 B  to an unlocked position shown in  FIG.  13 C . In an embodiment, as DIMM mechanism  1320  tilts, the DIMM  216  contained therein also tilt providing easy user access that facilitates removal or insertion of memory DIMM  216 . It should also be noted, that as locking mechanism  1328  tilts from the latched to the unlatched position (and vice versa), second actuator  1324  moves in such a way that an orientation of second actuator  1324  in the latched and unlatched configuration remain essentially unchanged with respect to DIMM base  1102 . In this way, second actuator  1324  is well position for the user to apply latching force F 2  to second actuator  1324  causing locking mechanism  1328  to tilt back to the latched position and first actuator  1322  to undergo a second movement around pivot  1326 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a front perspective view  1400  and a back perspective view  1410  of an end of the DIMM mechanism  320  that includes the DIMM mechanism button  1104  in accordance with some embodiments. The DIMM mechanism  320  at each end can include a push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  that includes multiple interconnected bars that form a movable linkage assembly. One end of the DIMM mechanism  320  can include the DIMM mechanism button  1104 , and each end of the DIMM mechanism  320  can include DIMM guides  1204  to align the memory modules  216  upon insertion. In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  can block an improperly inserted memory module  216  from engaging with a socket in the DIMM connector base  1102 . 
     In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  can reject an improperly inserted memory module  216 . In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  can prevent a user from latching an improperly inserted memory module  216  into a locked position. In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  can be not capable of latching into a locked position when a memory module  216  is improperly inserted therein. In some embodiments, the DIMM guides  1204  can assist, at least in part, a user to insert a memory module  216  in a correct orientation for properly engaging the DIMM mechanism  320 . In some embodiments, the DIMM mechanism  320  includes retention features that hold the memory module  216  in a correct position when in the locked position. In some embodiments, one or more “hold down” features can translate into a position that retains the memory module  216  in a proper position in the DIMM mechanism  320  when in a locked position. 
       FIG.  15 A  illustrates a first end view  1500  of the DIMM mechanism  320  in which the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  is oriented in an unlocked position and a second end view  1510  of the DIMM mechanism  320  in which the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  is oriented in a locked position. In an embodiment, in the unlocked position, the memory modules  216  positioned within the DIMM mechanism  320  are substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board to which the DIMM mechanism  320  can be attached through the DIMM connector base  1102 . In an embodiment, in the locked position, the memory modules  216  positioned within the DIMM mechanism  320  are tilted away from perpendicular and angled toward a central area of the printed circuit board to which the DIMM mechanism  320  can be attached. In an embodiment, a user can push the DIMM mechanism button  1104  to tilt the DIMM mechanism  320  from the unlocked position  1500  into the locked position  1510 . 
     In an embodiment, the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  includes three parallel bars, each parallel bar connected to a fourth bar that crosses the three parallel bars. In an embodiment, the fourth crossing bar can be connected to one end of a first outside parallel bar and to an opposite end of a second outside parallel bar of the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302 . In an embodiment, the fourth crossing bar also connects to an inside parallel bar, which is positioned between the two outside parallel bars. In an embodiment, the fourth crossing bar includes an open region that allows the fourth crossing bar to travel with respect to the underlying three parallel bars as the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  is engaged and disengaged, e.g., when changing from a locked position to an unlocked position. In an embodiment, the size of the open region of the fourth crossing bar can determine at least in part an amount of movement between the unlocked position and the locked position of the DIMM mechanism  320 . In an embodiment, a spring latch (not indicated) can engage the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  when in the locked position, and a user can push the DIMM mechanism button  1104  to unlock the push/push DIMM lock mechanism, which can “over travel” a short distance further inward, thereby disengaging the spring latch and forcing the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  to rotate outward as the fourth crossing bar rotates and slides until reaching an end of the open region. In an embodiment, an amount of “over travel” inward and an amount of travel outward by the push/push DIMM lock mechanism  1302  can be determined at least in part by the length of the open region of the fourth crossing bar. 
       FIGS.  15 B- 15 D  are views of DIMM mechanism  1320  illustrating a manner in which (push/push) DIMM lock mechanism  1328  transitions from the latched (locked) orientation to the unlatched (unlocked) orientation. More specifically,  FIG.  15 B  shows DIMM mechanism  1320  in latched orientation  1502 , whereas  FIG.  15 C  shows DIMM mechanism  1320  in a transitional orientation  1504  to better illustrate the kinematics of DIMM mechanism  1320  and finally  FIG.  15 D  illustrating DIMM mechanism  1320  in an unlatched (or unlocked) orientation  1506 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG.  15 B , DIMM locking mechanism  1328  is oriented in the latched position  1502  whereby surface  1508  of arm  1510  integrally formed with first actuator  1322  is held in place against biasing force F bias  provided by biasing mechanism  1512 . In an embodiment, biasing mechanism  1512  can take the form of a spring. More specifically, biasing mechanism  1512  can take the form of a torsional spring configured to provide a torsional biasing force to DIMM locking mechanism  1328 . More specifically, biasing force F bias  can be create a frictional coupling between surface  1508  of arm  1510  and surface  1514  of locking feature  1516  that is part of DIMM latching mechanism  1328 . It should be noted that the spatial relationship between surface  1508  and surface  1514  could be adjusted to customize a “feel” of MINIM mechanism  1320 . It should be noted that foot  1516  could limit the pivoting movement of first actuator about pivot  1326 . In this way, first actuator  1322  can be aligned with second actuator  1324  in such a way as to provide the appearance of a single part effected by first actuator  1322  and second actuator  1324  in the latched orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG.  15 C , as force F 1  is applied to first actuator  1322 , both first actuator  1322  and first member  1518  move about pivot  1326 . The movement of first member  1518  about pivot  1326  causes second member  1520  to translate both horizontally and vertically (by way of pin  1522  moving through slot  1524 ) resulting in second actuator  1324  translating horizontally and maintaining essentially an original orientation throughout the unlatching process. In other words, as shown in  FIG.  15 D , a final position of second actuator  1324  is parallel to an initial position of second actuator  1324  with respect to DIMM base  1102 . In this way, a user interaction with second actuator  1324  also remains essentially unchanged regardless of a current orientation (latched or unlatched) of DIMM mechanism  1320 . It should also be noted that a spatial relationship between edges of surface  1508  and surface  1514  can be adjusted in manner to customize a “snap” feeling when DIMM mechanism  1320  moves from transitional orientation  1506  to unlatched orientation  1508  shown in  FIG.  15 D . 
     It should be noted that the relative contours or surface  1504  and  1510  can be used to adjust a “feel” of MINIM mechanism  1302  during the unlatching process. In the unlatched orientation, the memory modules  216  positioned within the DIMM mechanism  1320  are substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board to which the DIMM mechanism  1320  can be attached through the DIMM connector base  1102 . In an embodiment, in the locked position, the memory modules  216  positioned within the DIMM mechanism  1320  are tilted away from perpendicular and angled toward a central area of the printed circuit board to which the DIMM mechanism  1320  can be attached. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a top view  1600  of the wireless subsystem  302  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment one or more antennas  1604  are mounted inside air exhaust vents of the exhaust assembly housing  1602 . In an embodiment, the one or more antennas  1604  are arranged symmetrically about a center point of the exhaust assembly housing  1602 . Each antenna  1604  can be connected a corresponding antenna cable  1608  to wireless processing circuitry (not shown) mounted beneath a wireless processing circuitry top cover  1606 . In some embodiments, the wireless processing circuitry top cover  1606  is formed of an electrically conductive metal and can form in part a Faraday cage to shield the wireless processing circuitry from extraneous radio frequency interference or noise. 
     In some embodiments, a radio frequency transparent cosmetic shield  202  can cover the antenna assembly and wireless processing circuitry. In an embodiment, a ring of magnets embedded in the exhaust assembly housing  1602  can surround the antenna assembly and provide a magnetic attraction for a metallic ring mounted inside the radio frequency transparent cosmetic shield  202 . In an embodiment, a number of conductive gaskets  1612  can be placed between the magnets  1610  to provide a conductive path for radio frequency interference signals. The magnets  1610  and conductive gaskets  1612  can be omitted in some embodiments, and the radio frequency transparent cosmetic shield  202  can be mechanically attached to the exhaust assembly housing  1602 , e.g., formed of a pliable material that can be shaped to grip a portion of the exhaust assembly housing  1602  when assembled on the compact computing system  100 . In an embodiment, the antennas  1604  can be positioned outside a set of impeller mount points  1614  to which the impeller  304  attaches to the exhaust assembly housing  1602 . In an embodiment, at least a portion of the impeller mount points and/or attachment mechanisms can be electrically conductive to ensure the impeller mount points  1614  are not freely floating metal pieces in proximity to the radio frequency antennas  1604  of the wireless subsystem  302 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates another top view  1700  of the wireless subsystem  302  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The top view  1700  in  FIG.  17    illustrates wireless processing circuitry situated between the impeller mount points  1614 , which attach the impeller  304  within the exhaust assembly housing  1602 . The top view  1700  in  FIG.  17    resembles the top view  1600  of  FIG.  16    with the wireless processing circuitry top cover  1606  removed. In an embodiment, one or more antennas  1604  can connect through associated antenna cables  1608  to individual wireless antenna connection points  1708  on a wireless processing circuitry board  1702 , which can be sandwiched to a wireless interposer board  1704  between the impeller mount points  1614 . 
     A wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  can include a flat, flexible cable that can communicate digital (and/or analog) signals from the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  to another circuit board (not shown) of the compact computing system  100  for further processing. The wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  can also communicate signals from other processing circuitry in the compact computing system  100  to the wireless processing circuitry board  1702 , e.g., for modulation and transmission through one or more of the antennas  1604 . In some embodiments, analog radio frequency processing circuitry and/or digital radio frequency processing circuitry can be mounted on the wireless processing circuitry board  1702 . The analog and digital radio frequency processing circuitry on the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  can provide, at least in part, for transmission and reception of protocol data units according to one or more wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, multiple antennas  1604  can be used for transmission and/or reception of radio frequency signals between the compact computing system  100  and additional wireless communication devices. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a top perspective view  1800  of the antenna assembly and wireless processing circuitry for the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, three symmetrically positioned antennas  1604  each can connect through separate antenna cables  1608  to the wireless processing circuitry board  1702 . An additional secondary antenna housing  1806  can include a fourth antenna that connects through a secondary antenna cable  1804  to the wireless processing circuitry board  1702 . In an embodiment, the three top antennas  1604  can be used to communicate according to a first wireless communication protocol, while the fourth front mounted (secondary) antenna can be used to communicate according to a second wireless communication protocol. In an embodiment, the four antennas  1604  (including the front mounted secondary antenna) can be used together to communicate according to a wireless communication protocol, e.g., in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode. 
     In an embodiment, wireless signal processing circuitry on the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  can select among the different antennas  1604  (including in some embodiments the front mounted secondary antenna) to transmit and/or receive radio frequency signals based on measured radio frequency signal quality conditions, using one or more of the antennas  1604  alone or together. In an embodiment, the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  includes radio frequency processing circuitry that can communicate according to a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication protocol, e.g., a Wi-Fi protocol, and/or according to a wireless personal area network (WPAN) communication protocol, e.g., a Bluetooth protocol. In an embodiment, digital signals from the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  can be communicated through the wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  cable to another circuit board (not shown) of the compact computing system for further processing. In some embodiments, the digital signals of the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  can pass through the wireless interposer board  1704  to which the wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  can be attached. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a bottom perspective view  1900  of the wireless subsystem  302  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, wireless processing circuitry  1902  can be mounted on the wireless processing circuitry board  1702  and can receive and/or transmit radio frequency signals through one or more antennas  1604  connected by antenna cables  1608  and/or a front mounted antenna in the secondary antenna housing  1806 . The wireless processing circuitry board  1702  can communicate digital data (e.g., protocol data units) through the wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  cable which can mount to another circuitry board (not shown) of the compact computing system, e.g., to communicate with a “higher layer” applications processor, e.g., the CPU  402  or other digital chip provided for digital communication formatting and processing. In some embodiments, the wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  can connect to the wireless interposer board  1704  which then can connect to the wireless processing circuitry board  1702 . 
       FIG.  20    illustrates a perspective view  2000  of an input/output (I/O) assembly coupled to a top mounted air mover assembly in accordance with some embodiments. The top mounted air mover assembly can include, in some embodiments, the impeller  304  coupled to the exhaust assembly  218  and covered by the plenum plate  328  that can draw an airflow through the central core  200  of components of the compact computing system  100 . The external housing  102  of the compact computing system  100  can include an opening through which an interface panel  110  can be located, e.g., as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The interface panel  110  can be attached to the I/O subassembly cover  326 , which can complete at least in part a portion of a Faraday cage that blocks and/or attenuates electromagnetic energy from entering or exiting the external housing  102 . In an embodiment, the interface panel  110  can be formed of a radio frequency transparent material, e.g., a hardened plastic, and a separate perforated wire mesh panel (not shown) can line portions of the interior of the interface panel  110  to limit electromagnetic energy from passing through the interface panel  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , a number of openings for I/O ports can be accommodated. In addition, in some embodiments, the secondary antenna housing  1806  can be mounted inside of the I/O subassembly cover  326  containing a secondary antenna (not shown) to communicate radio frequency signals through a radio frequency transparent window in the interface panel  110  (and/or the I/O subassembly cover  326 ). In some embodiments, wireless processing circuitry  1902  (not shown) can communicate digital signals through the wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  cable, which can attach to a circuit board (not shown) placed along the back of the I/O assembly. In an embodiment, one or more individual icons and/or grouping icons for the I/O ports of the interface panel  110 , e.g., can be illuminated under computer control of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as described further herein. In some embodiments, signals to control the illumination of one or more of the individual icons and/or grouping icons for the I/O ports can be communicated through an LED flex cable  2002  mounted on the rear of the interface panel  110  (and or to the I/O subassembly cover  326 ). In an embodiment, the interface panel  110  includes an opening for AC power connection  112 , and AC power cable  2004  can transmit received AC power from AC power connector  112  to the power supply unit  322  (not shown). 
       FIG.  21    illustrates another perspective view  2100  of the input/output assembly coupled to the top mounted air mover assembly in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  21    illustrates an input/output (I/O) board  2102  mounted on the interior face of the I/O subassembly cover. In some embodiments, the I/O board  2102  illustrated in  FIG.  21    substantially corresponds to the I/O board  324  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . The I/O board  2102  can include multiple I/O connectors that can project through the interface panel  110 . The I/O board can provide a high speed data connection through an I/O rigid flex connector  2104  for the set of I/O ports of the compact computing system  100 . In an embodiment, the I/O rigid flex connector  2104  can terminate a flex cable (not shown) that connects to the interconnect board  316 , thereby providing a high bandwidth connection between the set of I/O ports on the I/O board  2102  and the CPU board  318  and GPU board(s)  306 , which also connect to the interconnect board  316 . 
     The wireless processing circuitry interconnect  1706  can also connect to the I/O board  2102  providing at least a portion of a data path between the wireless processing circuitry  1902  mounted in the top portion of the air mover assembly and one or more processing chips on the interconnect board  316 , the CPU board  318 , and/or the GPU boards  306 . In an embodiment, high speed connections through flex connectors to the GPU board(s)  306  and/or through edge connectors to the CPU board  318  can include multiple lanes of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface, e.g., 32 lanes of a PCIe 2.X/3.X/4.X interface. In some embodiments, the high bandwidth connection between the I/O board  2102  and the interconnect board  316  can utilize multiple lanes of one or more peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interfaces, e.g., 32 lanes of a PCIe interface, 2×16 lanes of two parallel PCIe interfaces, n×32 lanes of multiple PCIe interfaces, or other combinations of one or more PCIe interfaces. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates a front view  2200  of the interface panel  110  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, the interface panel  110  can be formed at least in part using a transparent material covered with one or more layers of paint on its surface. In an embodiment, a portion of the one or more layers of paint can be laser etched to reveal a portion of a surface layer beneath. In an embodiment, one or more icons and/or groupings can be formed using a process that includes painting and laser etching a surface of the interface panel  110 . As illustrated in  FIG.  22   , icons on the interface panel  110  can indicate individual ports and/or groups of ports. In an embodiment, an illuminable icon  2202  can be formed adjacent to an individual port and/or centered among a group of ports on the interface panel  110 . The illuminable icon  2202  can provide a graphical indication of a function of the port with which the illuminable icon  2202  can be related. In an embodiment, a set of audio ports  116  can be labeled using one or more illuminable icons  2202 , e.g., a first illuminable icon  2202  to indicate a speaker (audio output) port and a second illuminable icon  2202  to indicate a microphone (audio input) port. In an embodiment, a set of bus ports  118  can be labeled using an illuminable icon  2202 , e.g., centrally placed among the set of bus ports  118 , and also can be labeled using an illumination pattern  2204 , which can circumferentially delineate the set of bus ports  118  from adjacent ports on the interface panel  110 . 
     In an embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG.  22   , the illumination pattern  2204  can include a rounded edge rectangle that surrounds the set of bus ports  118 . Similarly, in an embodiment, the set of high-speed expansion ports  120  can be labeled using a combination of a centrally placed illuminable icon  2202  and a perimeter bounded illumination pattern  2204 . In an embodiment, a set of networking ports  122  can be labeled with an illuminable icon  2202  and by an illumination pattern  2204  surrounding the set of networking ports  122 . In an embodiment, an adjacent illuminable icon  2202  can label the video port  114 . In some embodiments, the power switch  124  can be illuminated and provide one or more activity indications through flashing (or other changes) to the illumination. The interface panel  110  can also include an AC power inlet opening  2206  through which an AC power input port  112  can be accessed. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates a front view  2300  of an input/output (I/O) flexible wall assembly  2310  that can be mounted on the interior of the interface panel  110  for the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The I/O flexible wall assembly  2310  can include one or more icon light emitting diodes (LEDs)  2304  that can be positioned adjacent to one or more icon light guides  2302 . The icon LEDs  2304  can transmit light through the icon light guides  2302  which can be placed behind corresponding illuminable icons  2202 . In an embodiment, each illuminable icon  2202  can be paired with a corresponding icon light guide  2302  and icon LED  2304 , which can be controlled to illuminate the corresponding illuminable icon  2202 , e.g., through control signals received over the LED flex cable  2002  from control processing circuitry in the compact computing system  100 . In some embodiments, one or more grouping LEDs  2308  can be positioned adjacent to one or more grouping light guides  2306  which can be placed about a grouping of ports, e.g., behind a corresponding illumination pattern  2204 . The one or more grouping LEDs  2308  can transmit light through the grouping light guides  2306 . In an embodiment, each illumination pattern  2204  can be paired with a corresponding grouping light guide  2306  which can transmit light around a set of ports of the interface panel  110 . In a representative embodiment, a pair of grouping LEDs  2308  can be placed at corners of each grouping light guide  2306 . 
       FIG.  24    illustrates a back view  2400  of the input/output flexible wall assembly  2310  attached to the back of the interface panel  110  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The I/O flexible wall assembly  2310  can be attached to position lone or more icon light guides  2302  and/or grouping light guides  2306  to provide light from one or more LEDs  2304 / 2308  to a region behind illuminable icons  2202  and/or illumination pattern  2204 . The illuminable icons  2202  and/or the illumination pattern  2204  can be lit under control of one or more processors in the compact computing system  100 . In an embodiment, one or more sensors, e.g., accelerometers, can sense movement of the compact computing system and illuminate one or more illuminable icons  2202  and/or illumination pattern  2204  to assist a user of the compact computing system to locate a particular port or set of ports on the interface panel  110 . 
       FIG.  25    illustrates a back view  2500  and a cross sectional view  2510  of a portion of the interface panel  110  of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. As described above for  FIGS.  22 - 24   , one or more illuminable icons  2202  and/or illumination pattern  2204  can be formed on (and/or through) the interface panel  110  and can be illuminated from behind using a corresponding light guide and LED. The interface panel  110 , in some embodiments, can be formed of a translucent and/or light transparent material that can be dyed and/or painted in various regions and/or areas. In an embodiment, a light blocking region  2504  can be formed around the periphery of one or more port opening(s)  2502  through which an I/O port of the interface panel  110  can project. In an embodiment, the light blocking region  2506  can be formed by infusing a penetrating dye into regions adjacent to one or more port openings  2502  in the interface panel  110 . In an embodiment, a light transparent region  1504  can abut the light blocking region  2506  that surrounds each of the port openings  2502 . 
     In an embodiment, the interface panel  110  can be initially formed substantially entirely of a light transparent material (such as plastic) and select regions surrounding each port opening  2502  in the interface panel  110  can be transformed to be light blocking regions  2506 . In an embodiment each light transparent region  2504  adjacent to one or more light blocking regions can encompass an area that includes at least an illumination pattern  2204  for a set of ports. The illumination pattern can be formed by laser etching away one or more layers of paint applied to a surface of the interface panel  110 . As illustrated by the cross section view  2510 , the interface panel  110  can include a port opening  2502  surrounded by a light blocking region  2506 , which in turn is adjacent to a light transparent region  2504 . In a manufacturing process, one or more layers of paint can be applied to an outer facing surface of the interface panel  110 . In an embodiment, a white paint layer  2508  followed by a black paint layer  2512  can be applied to the outer facing surface of the interface panel  110 . Subsequently, a portion of the black paint layer  2512  can be laser etched to remove black paint forming a laser etched opening  2514  in the black paint layer  2512  (e.g., in the shape of an illuminable icon  2202  and/or an illumination pattern  2204 ) to reveal the white paint layer  2508  beneath. 
     In some embodiment, the white paint layer is transparent to a portion of light provided by a grouping LED  2308  transmitted by a grouping light guide  2306  placed adjacent to the read facing side of the interface panel  110 . As illustrated in  FIG.  25   , LED light  2516  from the grouping LED  2308  can be guided by the grouping light guide  2306  through a portion of the light transparent region  2504  behind the laser etched opening  2514 , thereby providing back illumination for the illumination pattern  2204  (or equivalently for an illuminable icon  2202 ). The light blocking region  2506 , situated between the light transparent region  2504  through which the LED light  2516  passes and the port opening  2502 , can block the LED light  2516  from emanating from the port opening. 
       FIG.  26    illustrates a method  2600  for illuminating the illumination pattern  2204  of a set of ports on the interface panel  110  in response to detecting movement of the compact computing system  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes at least the following steps. In a first step  2602 , a processing element in the compact computing system  100  detects at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement of the compact computing system  100 . In a second step  2604 , the processing element communicates an illumination control signal to the input/output flexible wall  2310  mounted on an interior face of the interface panel  110  of the compact computing system  100 . In a third step  2606 , in response to obtaining the illumination control signal, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) associated with the set of ports, e.g., one or more grouping LEDs  2308 , are activated to transmit a beam of LED light  2516 , guided by a grouping light guide  2306  adjacent to the set of ports, through a laser etched opening  2514  in a paint layer  2512  on an outer surface of the interface panel  110 . The laser etched opening  2514  surrounds the set of ports, wherein a first portion of the interface panel  110  adjacent to the grouping light guide  2306  is at least partially transparent to the beam of LED light  2516  (e.g., light transparent region  2504 ) and wherein a second portion of the interface panel  110 , adjacent to the first portion of the interface panel  110  and adjacent to at least one port in the set of ports, is opaque to the beam of light, e.g., light blocking region  2506 . 
       FIG.  27    shows a perspective view of compact computing system  2700 . Compact computing system  2700  can have a shape defined by housing  2702 . In the described embodiments, housing  2702  can be cylindrical in shape having a first opening  2704  characterized as having diameter d 1 . More specifically, housing  2702  can take the form of a circular right cylinder having a longitudinal axis that extends long a centerline of a central volume enclosed by housing  2702 . Housing  2702  can be characterized as having a circular cross section having a center point coincident with a corresponding point on the longitudinal axis. The circular cross section has a radius that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends outwardly therefrom. Accordingly, thickness t of housing  2702  (more specifically a housing wall) can be defined as a difference between an outer radius r o  associated with an exterior of housing  2702  and inner radius r i  associated with an interior surface of housing  2702 . Moreover, housing  2702  can include second opening  2706  axially disposed from first opening  2704  having diameter d 2  defined in part by exhaust lip  2708  where d 1  is at least equal to or greater than d 2 . Housing  2702  can be formed from a single billet of aluminum in the form of a disk that can be extruded in a manner forming exhaust lip  2708 . Thickness t of housing  2702  can be tuned to mitigate hot spots. In this regard, housing  2702  can have a non-uniform thickness t. In particular, portion  2710  near exhaust lip  2708  can have a first thickness of about 4-6 mm that then changes to a second thickness associated with portion  2712  that is reduced from the first thickness and located away from exhaust lip  2708 . In this way, portion  2710  can act as both an integrated handle used to grasp compact computing system  2700  and as a feature that absorbs and conducts thermal energy transferred from a portion of exhaust airflow  2714  that engages exhaust lip  2708 . Through radiative and conductive heat transfer and by limiting the amount of heat transferred to portion  2712 , the formation of local hot spots in housing  2702  can be mitigated. Tuning the thickness of housing  2702  can be accomplished using, for example, an impact extrusion process using a metal disk that is then machined to the desired thickness profile. The metal disk may be made of aluminum, titanium, and any other metallic material that provides the strength, thermal conductivity, and RF-isolation desired. The extrusion process forms a cylinder that is machined in the exterior portion and in the interior portion to acquire the desired cross sectional profile and also the desired visual appeal from the exterior. 
     Compact computing system  2700  can further include base unit  2716 . Base unit  2716  can be used to provide support for compact computing system  2700 . Accordingly, base unit  2716  can be formed of strong and resilient material along the lines of metal that can also prevent leakage of electromagnetic (EM) energy from components within compact computing system  2700  that radiate EM energy during operation. Base unit  2716  can also be formed of non-metallic compounds that can nonetheless be rendered electrically conductive using, for example, electrically conductive particles embedded therein. In order to assure that any electromagnetic energy emitted by components within compact computing system  2700  does not leak out, lower conductive gasket  2718  can be used to complete a Faraday cage formed by base unit  2716  and housing  2702 . Upper conductive gasket  2720  (shown in more detail in  FIG.  3   ) can be disposed on the interior surface of housing  2702  near a lower edge of portion  2710 . Use of conductive gaskets  2718  and  120  to complete the Faraday cage can increase EMI isolation by about 20 dB. 
     Base unit  2716  can also include vents  2722 . Vents  2722  can be dual purpose in that vents  2722  can be arranged in base unit  2716  in such a way that a suitable amount of air from an external environment can flow through vents  2722  in the form of intake airflow  2724 . In one embodiment, intake airflow  2724  can be related to a pressure differential across vents  2722  created by an air mover disposed with compact computing system  2700 . In one embodiment, the air mover can be disposed near second opening  2706  creating a suction effect that reduces an ambient pressure within housing  2702 . In addition to facilitating intake airflow  2724 , vents  2722  can be sized to prevent leakage of electromagnetic energy there through. The size of vents  2722  can be related to a wavelength corresponding to electromagnetic energy emitted by internal components. 
     It should be noted that although a cylindrical housing is shown, that nonetheless any suitably shaped housing can be used. For example, housing  2702  can be have a rectangular cross section, a conical cross section (of which the circle is only one), or the cross section can take the form of an n-sided polygon (of which the rectangle is one in which n=4 and a triangle where n=3) where n is an integer having a value of at least 3. 
     A desktop computing system is described having a housing having an interior surface that defines an internal volume and having a longitudinal axis, a computing engine that includes a computational component and a structural core positioned within the internal volume that provides structural support for the computing engine such that the computing engine takes on a general shape of the structural core. In one embodiment, the structural core includes a heat sink that facilitates removal from the desktop computing system at least some heat generated by the computing engine. 
     In one embodiment, the structural core includes a heat sink that facilitates removal of heat from the cylindrical volume and the heat sink includes a plurality of planar faces that provides the structural core with a triangular shape that encloses a central thermal zone having a triangular cross section such that the computing engine takes on the triangular shape of the structural core. In one embodiment, the central thermal zone is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and an exterior surface of the plurality of planar faces and an interior surface of the cylindrical housing define a peripheral thermal zone apart from the central thermal zone. In one embodiment, a thermal management system and the computing engine cooperate to maintain a temperature of the computational component within a pre-determined range of operating temperatures such that a central airflow through the central thermal zone and a peripheral airflow are directed through the peripheral thermal zone. In one embodiment, the desktop computing system is characterized as having a computing density defined as a peak operating rate of the computing engine over an amount of time divided by the cylindrical volume. In one embodiment, the cylindrical housing is formed of aluminum. In one embodiment, a shape of the computational component is defined by a minor centerline corresponding to a minor length and a major centerline corresponding to a major length. 
     In one embodiment, the computational component has a shape having a major centerline corresponding to a major dimension and a minor centerline corresponding to a minor dimension. In one embodiment, the major dimension corresponding to a major length and the minor dimension corresponds to a minor length. In one embodiment, the major dimension is a length (L) and the minor dimension is a width. In one embodiment, the major dimension is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the minor dimension is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the major centerline is perpendicular to the minor centerline. In one embodiment, an internal structure of the computational component is organized generally parallel to the major centerline and in accordance with the major length. In one embodiment, the computational component includes a first node at a first end and a second node at a second end opposite the first end. The desktop computing system also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a PCB shape defined by a PCB major centerline, and an electrical trace and the computational component is mounted to the PCB and electrically connected to the electrical trace. In one embodiment, the PCB is mounted to one of the plurality of planar faces and the PCB centerline is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and the PCB is one of a plurality of PCBs each having their respective major centerlines being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one PCB is a graphics processing unit (GPU) board In one embodiment, the GPU board comprises: a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a video random access memory (VRAM) coupled to the GPU via a corresponding electrical trace. In one embodiment, the system includes a central processing unit (CPU) board comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) mounted to a first side of the CPU board and a memory module mounted on a second side of the CPU board and electrically connected to the CPU where the first side is opposite the second side of the CPU board. 
     In one embodiment, an Input/Output (I/O) board that includes an input/output (I/O) interface board comprising a high speed data port where the high speed data port is accessible to an external system. In one embodiment, the system includes an interconnect board connected to (1) the GPU board through a first wide bandwidth interconnect cable, (2) the I/O interface board through a second wide bandwidth interconnect cable, and (3) the CPU board through a wide bandwidth edge connectors on the CPU board and a socket connector on the interconnect board. In one embodiment, the system also includes a power supply unit arranged to provide one or more direct current (DC) voltages to a top edge of the GPU board opposite to a bottom edge of the GPU board to which the first wide bandwidth interconnect cable attaches, and to a top edge of the CPU board opposite a bottom edge of the CPU board that includes the wide bandwidth edge connector. In one embodiment, the first and second wide bandwidth interconnects comprise flexible cables, and a third wide bandwidth interconnect comprises one or more edge connectors on the CPU board mated to one or more corresponding socket connectors on the interconnect board. 
     A desktop computing system is described. The desktop computing system includes a housing having an interior surface that defines an internal volume having a longitudinal axis and a computing engine located within the internal volume where the computing engine has a generally triangular cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     In one embodiment, the desktop computing system includes a heat sink in thermal contact with at least the computational component where the heat sink includes a plurality of planar faces at least one of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one of the plurality of planar faces provides a structural support for the computing engine. In one embodiment, the computational component is mounted to one of the plurality of planar faces. In one embodiment, the computational component has a shape comprising a major centerline corresponding to a major dimension and a minor centerline corresponding to a minor dimension and in one embodiment the major dimension is a length (L) and the minor dimension is a width (W). In one embodiment, an internal structure of the computational component is organized generally parallel to the major centerline. The computing engine further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a plurality of electrical traces and the printed circuit board has a PCB major centerline that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board is a central processing unit (CPU) board and a CPU is mounted to a first face of the CPU board and the CPU is connected to one of the plurality of electrical traces. In one embodiment, the CPU board further comprising a memory module mounted on a second face of the CPU board opposite the first face of the CPU board. 
     The desktop computing system also includes a memory module mechanism disposed on the second face of the CPU board and configured to provide support for the memory module. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides connected to each other by a supporting member and each end guide comprising a slot configured to hold an end of the memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on the CPU board. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism also includes a lock mechanism configured to provide for movement of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position and an actuator attached to a first end guide that actuates a locking function of the memory module mechanism by receiving an applied force at either the actuator or the supporting member causing the memory module mechanism to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. In one embodiment, the supporting member configured to provide structural support and to facilitate transfer of a portion of the applied force to a second end guide opposite the first end guide and to resist torsion of the memory module mechanism. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism allows insertion and removal of the memory module in the unlocked position and restricts insertion and removal of the memory module in the locked position. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism providing an over travel movement of the memory module mechanism in a first direction in response to the applied force received at the actuator or the supporting member when the memory module mechanism is in the locked position. In one embodiment, the memory module further includes a spring loaded mechanism that causes the memory module mechanism to move in a second direction opposite the first direction from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the over travel movement. In one embodiment, the memory module is a dual in-line memory module having an approximate length of 133 mm. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism engages the memory module to the socket in the locked position and disengages the memory module from the socket in the unlocked position. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism comprising a movable linkage assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected bars. In one embodiment, the housing is a cylindrical housing that defines a shape of the internal volume as being a cylindrical volume. 
     A desktop computing system is described. The desktop computing system includes a housing that encloses an internal volume having a longitudinal axis and a circular cross section defined by a radius perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The system also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the internal volume having a shape defined in part by a major centerline that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the radius and radially positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis and along the radius. In one embodiment, the housing has a cylindrical shape that defines a shape of the internal volume as being a cylindrical volume. 
     In an embodiment, the radius has a maximum radial distance at an interior surface of the cylindrical housing. In an embodiment, the PCB is part of a stack of interconnected PCBs that includes a central processing unit (CPU) board located at a first radial distance along the radius and having a CPU board centerline generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprising a CPU having a CPU centerline mounted on a first side of the CPU board generally parallel to the CPU board centerline, the CPU board comprising a power input node at a first end and a data node comprising one or more wide bandwidth edge connectors at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first and second ends are located at opposite ends of the CPU major centerline and a power supply unit coupled to the CPU board and arranged to provide one or more direct current (DC) voltages to the power input node. In an embodiment, the stack of interconnected PCBs further includes an input/output (I/O) interface board located at a second radial distance greater than radial distance, each of which is less than maximum radial distance, and includes a plurality of high speed data ports to one or more external systems, and an I/O interface panel comprising a plurality of illuminable I/O ports at least one of which corresponds to one of the plurality of high speed data ports, wherein when a sensor detects movement of the cylindrical desktop computing system, an illumination pattern display indicator for at least some of the plurality of illuminable I/O ports is illuminated. 
     A flexible I/O wall sub-assembly is mounted on an interior surface of the I/O interface panel configured to receive an illumination control signal in accordance with the movement detected by the sensor. In an embodiment, the flexible I/O wall sub-assembly further includes a light emitting diodes (LED) that responds to the illumination control signal by generating light and a grouping light guide positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of I/O ports and configured to receive and guide the light generated by the LED through an opening of an opaque layer on an outer surface of the I/O interface panel, the opening surrounding at least one of the plurality of I/O ports. In an embodiment, a first portion of the interface panel adjacent the grouping light guide is at least partially transparent to the light and a second portion of the interface panel adjacent to the first portion of the interface panel and adjacent to the at least one I/O port is opaque to the light. And the first portion of the interface panel includes the illumination pattern display indicator and the second portion of the interface panel blocks the light from emanating from the at least one I/O port. In an embodiment, movement includes at least one of rotational movement and translational movement. 
     A method of indicating movement of a desktop computing system is described. The method can be carried out by detecting the movement of the desktop computing system by a sensor, providing a movement detection signal by the sensor to a processor in accordance with the movement, providing an illumination control signal by the processor in response to the movement detection signal to an I/O interface panel comprising a light emitting diode (LED), generating light by the LED in response to the illumination control signal and illuminating an I/O port using at least some of the light indicating the movement of the desktop computing system. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having an axisymmetric shape and a longitudinal axis, an air passage that spans an entire length of the housing and a computational component disposed within the air passage. In an embodiment, the system includes a heat sink having a triangular cross section disposed within the air passage and in thermal contact with the computational component where the triangular heat sink includes a plurality of planar faces and the computational component is mounted to one planar face of the plurality of planar faces. 
     A computer architecture is described having an internal component arrangement that includes an internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system, the internal component and external interface arrangement having a structural heat sink that includes multiple faces to which computational components of a computing core of the compact computing system are attached including a first face connected to a second face by a plurality of cooling fins. 
     A method for illuminating an illumination pattern display indicator for a set of input/output (I/O) ports on an I/O interface panel of a compact computing system is described. The method is carried out by detecting at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement of the compact computing system, providing an illumination control signal to an I/O flexible wall sub-assembly mounted on an interior face of the I/O interface panel of the compact computing system, and in response to the provided illumination control signal, activating one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit a beam of light, guided by a grouping light guide positioned adjacent to the set of I/O ports, through a laser etched opening of a paint layer on an outer surface of the interface panel, wherein the laser etched opening surrounds the set of ports. In one embodiment, a first portion of the interface panel adjacent to the grouping light guide is at least partially transparent to the beam of light and a second portion of the interface panel adjacent to the first portion of the interface panel and adjacent to at least one port in the set of ports is opaque to the beam of light. 
     A rotating and locking memory module mechanism is described that includes a pair of end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and an unlocked position, an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a pressing force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position, and the supporting member configured to provide structural support to transfer a portion of the pressing force applied to the actuator to an end guide opposite the actuator and to resist torsion of the memory module mechanism. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism allows insertion and removal of the memory module while in the unlocked position and restricts insertion and removal of the memory module while in the locked position. 
     In an embodiment, a lock mechanism is provided for movement of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position and an actuator attached to a first end guide that actuates a locking function of the memory module mechanism by receiving an applied force at either the actuator or the supporting member causing the memory module mechanism to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. In one embodiment, the supporting member configured to provide structural support and to facilitate transfer of a portion of the applied force to a second end guide opposite the first end guide and to resist torsion of the memory module mechanism. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism allows insertion and removal of the memory module in the unlocked position and restricts insertion and removal of the memory module in the locked position. 
     In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism providing an over travel movement of the memory module mechanism in a first direction in response to the applied force received at the actuator or the supporting member when the memory module mechanism is in the locked position. In one embodiment, the memory module also includes a spring loaded mechanism that causes the memory module mechanism to move in a second direction opposite the first direction from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the over travel movement. In one embodiment, the memory module is a dual in-line memory module having an approximate length of 133 mm. In one embodiment, the memory module mechanism engages the memory module to the socket in the locked position and disengages the memory module from the socket in the unlocked position. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a movable linkage assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected bars. 
     A cylindrical desktop computing system includes a computing engine positioned within a cylindrical housing that cooperates with a thermal management system to promote a high computational processing rate per unit volume. 
     A memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides having a first and second end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position, and an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     A method of indicating movement of a desktop computing system is described. The method includes at least the following operations: detecting the movement of the desktop computing system by a sensor, providing a movement detection signal by the sensor to a processor in accordance with the movement; providing an illumination control signal by the processor in response to the movement detection signal to an I/O interface panel comprising a light emitting diode (LED); generating light by the LED in response to the illumination control signal; illuminating an I/O port using at least some of the light indicating the movement of the desktop computing system. In one embodiment, receiving at least some of the light generated by the LED by a grouping light guide adjacent to the plurality of I/O ports that guides some of the received light through an opening of an opaque layer on an outer surface of the I/O interface panel. In one embodiment, a first portion of the I/O interface panel is adjacent the grouping light guide and is at least partially transparent to the light. In one embodiment, a second portion of the I/O interface panel adjacent the first portion of the interface panel and adjacent to the at least one I/O port is opaque to the light. 
     A method for illuminating an illumination pattern display indicator for a set of input/output (I/O) ports on an I/O interface panel of a compact computing system is described. The method is carried out by detecting at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement of the compact computing system, providing an illumination control signal to an I/O flexible wall sub-assembly mounted on an interior face of the I/O interface panel of the compact computing system, and in response to the provided illumination control signal, activating one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit a beam of light, guided by a grouping light guide positioned adjacent to the set of I/O ports, through a laser etched opening of a paint layer on an outer surface of the interface panel, wherein the laser etched opening surrounds the set of ports. In one embodiment, a first portion of the interface panel adjacent to the grouping light guide is at least partially transparent to the beam of light and a second portion of the interface panel adjacent to the first portion of the interface panel and adjacent to at least one port in the set of ports is opaque to the beam of light. 
     A compact desktop computing system includes a computing engine having a generally triangular layout that cooperates with a corresponding cylindrical housing and a thermal management system to promote a high computational processing rate per unit volume. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis that encloses and defines an internal volume that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis, a computing engine disposed within the internal volume, and a structural core positioned within the internal volume that provides structural support for the computing engine such that the computing engine takes on a general shape of the structural core. 
     In an embodiment, the structural core comprises a heat sink that facilitates removal of heat from the axisymmetric volume. In an embodiment, the heat sink comprising a plurality of planar faces that provides the structural core with a shape of a polygon that encloses a central thermal zone having a cross section in the shape of the polygon. In an embodiment, the computing engine takes on the shape of the structural core. In an embodiment, the central thermal zone is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In an embodiment, an exterior surface of the plurality of planar faces and an interior surface of the housing define a peripheral thermal zone apart from the central thermal zone. In an embodiment, a thermal management system and the computing engine cooperate to maintain a temperature of the computational component within a pre-determined range of operating temperatures. In an embodiment, the housing having the axisymmetric shape is a cylindrical housing. In an embodiment, wherein the axisymmetric volume is a cylindrical volume. In an embodiment, wherein the polygon is a triangle. 
     A compact desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis having a length L, where the housing encloses and defines an internal space that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis and having a volume V, a computing engine positioned within the internal space and a thermal management system that is closely coupled with the computing engine wherein the thermal management system acts to maintain the computing engine at a thermal state in accordance with the computing engine operating at an elevated computational processing rate. In an embodiment, thermal management system comprises a structural core that provides structural support for the computing engine. In an embodiment, the structural core comprises a plurality of planar faces that form a heat sink having a cross section in accordance with a polygon and that defines a central thermal zone. 
     In an embodiment, at least a portion of the computing engine is mounted to and supported by at least one of plurality of lateral faces and in close thermal contact with the heat sink. In an embodiment, the close coupling between the thermal management system and the computing engine comprises the computing engine taking on a general shape of the heat sink. In an embodiment, the thermal management system further comprises an air mover configured to move air through the central thermal zone. In an embodiment, the close coupling between the thermal management system and the computing engine also includes moving an amount of air at a velocity through the central thermal zone by the air mover in response to a computational processing rate of the computing engine. In an embodiment, the polygon is a triangle. 
     In an embodiment, a computational processing density is defined as the computational processing rate divided by the volume V. In an embodiment, the housing is cylindrical and wherein the internal space comprises a circular cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having an area A and wherein the volume V is about equal to length L times the area A (L×A). In another embodiment, the housing comprises n lateral faces wherein n is an integer having a value of at least 3 and wherein the internal space comprises an n-sided cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having an area A and wherein the volume V is about equal to length L times the area A (L×A). In still another embodiment, the housing has a shape such that the corresponding internal space comprises a conical cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having an area A and wherein the volume V is about equal to length L times the area A (L×A). 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and that defines an internal volume that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis, a computing engine comprising a computational component, and a structural core positioned within the internal volume that provides structural support for the computing engine. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and an interior surface that defines an internal volume that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis and a computing engine comprising a computational component, the computing engine located within the internal volume comprising a cross section that has a polygonal shape and that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     A desktop computing system includes a cylindrical housing having a longitudinal axis and that encloses and defines an internal volume having a circular cross section centered at the longitudinal axis and defined by a radius centered at the longitudinal axis and that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the internal volume comprising a shape defined in part by a major centerline that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and is perpendicular to the radius and is located a distance from the longitudinal axis along the radius. 
     A method of indicating a movement of a desktop computing system includes at least the following operations: detecting the movement of the desktop computing system by a sensor, providing a movement detection signal by the sensor to a processor in accordance with the movement, providing an illumination control signal by the processor in response to the movement detection signal to an I/O interface panel comprising a light emitting diode (LED), generating a light by the LED in response to the illumination control signal, and illuminating an I/O port using at least some of the light indicating the movement of the desktop computing system. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having a shape that is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, an air passage spanning an entire length of the housing, and a computational component disposed within the air passage. 
     A computer architecture that includes an internal component and external interface arrangement for a compact computing system is described. The internal component and external interface arrangement includes a structural heat sink having a lengthwise axis and that provides structural support for a computing engine having a computational component, the structural heat sink including planar faces that define a central region having a polygonal cross section that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis and at least one of which carries the computational component, and a cooling that connects an interior surface of a first planar face to an interior surface of at least a second planar face and that spans the central region. 
     A method for illuminating an illumination pattern display indicator for a set of input/output (I/O) ports on an I/O interface panel of a compact computing system is described. The method is carried out by detecting at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement of the compact computing system, providing an illumination control signal to an I/O flexible wall sub-assembly mounted on an interior face of the I/O interface panel of the compact computing system, and in response to the provided illumination control signal, activating one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit a beam of light, guided by a grouping light guide positioned adjacent to the set of I/O ports, through a laser etched opening of a paint layer on an outer surface of the interface panel, where the laser etched opening surrounds the set of ports, and where a first portion of the interface panel adjacent to the grouping light guide is at least partially transparent to the beam of light, and where a second portion of the interface panel adjacent to the first portion of the interface panel and adjacent to at least one port in the set of ports is opaque to the beam of light. 
     A rotating and locking memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and locked position, an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a pressing force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position and the supporting member configured to provide structural support to transfer a portion of the pressing force applied to the actuator to an end guide opposite the actuator and to resist torsion of the memory module mechanism. The memory module mechanism allows insertion and removal of the memory module while in the unlocked position and restricts insertion and removal of the memory module while in the locked position. 
     A desktop computing system, includes a computing engine positioned within a cylindrical housing that defines a cylindrical volume having a longitudinal axis and a thermal management system closely coupled with the computing engine wherein the thermal management system responds directly to a change in an activity level of the computing engine in real time. 
     A memory module mechanism includes a pair of end guides comprising a first and second end guides, connected by a supporting member, each end guide including a slot to hold an end of a memory module and direct the memory module to a socket mounted on a circuit board, a lock mechanism configured to provide for rotation of the memory module mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position, and an actuator attached to a first end guide in the pair of end guides, wherein a user actuates a rotating and locking function of the memory module mechanism by applying a force to the actuator or to the supporting member, thereby rotating the memory module mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having an interior surface that defines a cylindrical volume having longitudinal axis and a computing engine comprising a computational component mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB), the computing engine located within the cylindrical volume and having a generally triangular cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis that encloses and defines an internal volume that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis, a computing engine disposed within the internal volume, and a structural heat sink positioned within the internal volume that provides structural support for the computing engine such that a shape of the computing engine corresponds to a shape of the structural heat sink and wherein the structural heat sink facilitates removal of heat from the internal volume. 
     A compact desktop computing system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis having a length L, wherein the housing encloses and defines an internal space that is symmetric about the longitudinal axis and having a volume V. a computing engine positioned within the internal space and a thermal management system that is closely coupled with the computing engine wherein the thermal management system enables the computing engine to operate at a computational processing rate. 
     A desktop computing system includes a housing that defines an internal space, an air passage positioned within the internal space having a length that spans an entire length of the housing, and a computational component disposed within the air passage wherein an amount of air that moves through the air passage is in accordance with a current operation of the computational component. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. 
     While the embodiments have been described in terms of several particular embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of these general concepts. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present embodiments. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the described embodiments.