Systems and methods for cooling computer components in large computer systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a computer system configured in accordance with aspects of the invention can include a computer module positioned in a chassis, and an air mover configured to move air through the chassis and past the computer module. The computer system can further include a pressure sensor operably coupled to the air mover. If the pressure sensor determines that the difference between a first air pressure inside the chassis and a second air pressure outside the chassis is less than a preselected pressure, the air mover can increase the flow of air through the chassis and past the computer module.