A convertible information handling system in a clamshell configuration provides a maximum housing surface temperature at a predetermined portion, such as a fan exhaust, that is greater than a maximum temperature in a tablet configuration. Upon detection of transition to the tablet configuration, a burst application by a thermal rejection device reduces the temperature at the predetermined portion to aid in achieving the maximum temperature of the tablet configuration. For example, a burst application may include running a fan at full speed for a defined time or decreasing a pressure within a vapor chamber.