Embodiments include a package substrate, a method of forming the package substrate, and a semiconductor package. A package substrate includes a conductive layer in a dielectric, a first trace and a first via pad of the conductive layer having a first thickness, and a second trace and a second via pad of the conductive layer having a second thickness. The second thickness of second trace and second via pad may be greater than the first thickness of the first trace and first via pad. The dielectric may include a first dielectric thickness and a second dielectric thickness, where the second dielectric thickness may be less than the first dielectric thickness. The package substrate may include a third via having a third thickness on the first via pad, and a fourth via having a fourth thickness on the second via pad, wherein the third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness.