Electronic device with heat transfer pedestal having optimized interface surface and associated methods

A data storage device, comprising:

• an enclosure, comprising a base having a mounting surface, a cover coupled to the base, and an interior cavity defined between the base and the cover;
• a substrate, fixed to the base within the interior cavity;
• a data processing component, attached to the substrate;
• a data storage component, within the interior cavity and unattached to the substrate;
• a pedestal, extending from the mounting surface of the base, interposed between the base and the data processing component, and comprising an interface surface having a first portion and a second portion;
• and
• a thermal interface material, comprising a thermal-interface surface having a first portion and a second portion, interposed between the interface surface of the pedestal and the data processing component, in direct contact with the data processing component along the thermal-interface surface, and in direct contact with the first portion and the second portion of the interface surface of the pedestal,
• wherein:
• the first portion of the interface surface of the pedestal has a first height, relative to the mounting surface of the base;
• the second portion of the interface surface of the pedestal has a second height, relative to the mounting surface of the base and different than the first height;
• the first portion of the thermal-interface surface has a first thermal-interface height, relative to the mounting surface of the base;
• and
• the second portion of the thermal-interface surface has a second thermal-interface height, relative to the mounting surface of the base and different from the first thermal-interface height.