A method and system for maximizing a quality of service (“QoS”) level in a portable computing device (“PCD”) by preempting the generation of thermal energy in excess of a threshold are disclosed. The method includes receiving a workload request for a processing component within the PCD. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on thermal factors associated with the processing component. Thermal factors may comprise data indicative of real-time thermal energy generation near the processing component, predictive data derived from known characteristics of heat producing components that are physically proximate to the processing component, queued workload burdens for the processing component, etc. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on the thermal factors. By leveraging the thermal factors to allocate workloads, thermal generation can be proactively managed such that reliance on reactive thermal mitigation techniques, which negatively impact QoS, can be reduced.