Abstract: A tank and a lid are configured to mate to provide a substantially airtight container for containing a processing board for a computer and a liquid. A cooling system is configured to cool the interior of the container, and a serial data connection is provided between the processing board and the exterior of the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for processing a fluid sample comprising: (i) a platform comprising: (a) a chamber suitable for receiving a sample; and (b) a functional component; (ii) an arm capable of being raised and lowered and including a means for removeably attaching to the functional component such that said component may be raised and lowered with the arm; and (iii) a means for moving the platform such that any chamber or functional component may be aligned with respect to the arm. This invention also relates to a method of processing a fluid sample and use of said apparatus and said method for processing a sample prior to a nucleic acid amplification reaction.