An information handling system includes an enclosure having a front portion and a rear portion. An exhaust duct is located in between a first central processing unit and a first set of downstream components within the rear portion. The exhaust duct directs first airflow from the first central processing unit out of the information handling system without the first airflow reaching an inlet of the first set of downstream components. A first top cover is attached to the rear portion. The first top cover includes a first hole cut above the exhaust duct. The first hole enables the first airflow to escape from the rear portion.