Abstract: An interlocking heat sink is shaped such that it geometrically mates with an adjacent heat sink such that a linear gap for air flow is not formed between adjacent heat sinks. In multiple processor systems, an interlocking heat sink is associated with each processor.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying status information from several devices in a computer system is disclosed. A primary status indicator is associated with a server or a group of servers. The primary status indicator is communicatively coupled to the server management software that is monitoring the server or server group. During the period that the server management software does not detect a failure or an imminent failure in any component of the server or server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect a normal operating status. If the server management software detects a failure or an imminent failure in a component of the server or a server in the server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect an alert status.

Abstract: A microprocessor retention system and method is disclosed in which a base of a retention system is coupled to a method board. The base of the retention system includes a number of slots or openings for receiving a microprocessor and an associated heat sinks. The cover of the retention system includes a number of individually coiled springs. When the cover is secured to the base, the springs apply a compressive force to the heat sinks, placing the heat sinks in thermal contact with the associated microprocessors. The structure of the base and cover of the heat sink creates a plenum for the flow of air across the heat sinks of the microprocessor retention system.

Abstract: A microprocessor retention system and method is disclosed in which a base of a retention system is coupled to a method board. The base of the retention system includes a number of slots or openings for receiving a microprocessor and an associated heat sinks. The cover of the retention system includes a number of individually coiled springs. When the cover is secured to the base, the springs apply a compressive force to the heat sinks, placing the heat sinks in thermal contact with the associated microprocessors. The structure of the base and cover of the heat sink creates a plenum for the flow of air across the heat sinks of the microprocessor retention system.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying status information from several devices in a computer system is disclosed. A primary status indicator is associated with a server or a group of servers. The primary status indicator is communicatively coupled to the server management software that is monitoring the server or server group. During the period that the server management software does not detect a failure or an imminent failure in any component of the server or server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect a normal operating status. If the server management software detects a failure or an imminent failure in a component of the server or a server in the server group, the primary status indicator will be illuminated to reflect an alert status.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a printed circuit substrate mounted thereon. A plurality of microprocessors are mounted on the printed circuit substrate. A first one of the microprocessors is mounted in an in-line configuration with respect to a second one of the microprocessors. A heat dissipating device is mounted on each one of the microprocessors. The heat dissipating device mounted on the first one of the microprocessors includes a first heat dissipating body positioned at a first elevation above a mounting surface of the printed circuit substrate. The heat dissipating device mounted on the second one of the microprocessors includes a second heat dissipating body positioned at a second elevation above the mounting surface of the printed circuit substrate. A fan is mounted on the chassis adjacent to the printed circuit substrate for directing a stream of air over at least a portion of the first and the second heat dissipating bodies.

Abstract: A releasable latching apparatus and method of operation for securing a component of a computer system to a computer housing. The latching apparatus includes a casing and a shaft integrated with the casing such that the shaft is operable to move relative to the casing. Incorporated into the latching apparatus is a collet that extends along the shaft. The collet includes a locking portion, which can releasably secure a computer component to a housing by extending away from the shaft and capturing an element of the computer housing.

Abstract: A method and system of thermally connecting internal components of a computer system to a heat sink. The components are arranged as modular units, each having at least one component heat conductor extending from it. For each component heat conductor, an arterial heat conductor extends from the heat sink. Each module heat conductor is attached orthogonally to its associated arterial heat conductor, using a special thermal connector.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis and a microprocessor mounted in the chassis. An input device is coupled to provide input to the microprocessor and a mass storage device is coupled to the microprocessor. A display is coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller and a system memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor. A bezel is mounted on the chassis and a bezel door is pivotally mounted to the bezel. A latch is mounted to the bezel door. The latch is movable between a first position and a second position. A resilient member is operatively mounted between the bezel door and the latch. The resilient member is biased to maintain the latch in the first position.