Embodiments include an electronics package and methods of forming such packages. In an embodiment, the electronics package comprises a first package substrate. In an embodiment, the first package substrate comprises, a die embedded in a mold layer, a thermal interface pad over a surface of the die, and a plurality of solder balls over the thermal interface pad. In an embodiment, the thermal interface pad and the solder balls are electrically isolated from circuitry of the electronics package. In an embodiment, the electronics package further comprises a second package substrate over the first package substrate.