Embodiments disclosed herein include an electronics package and methods of forming such electronics packages. In an embodiment, the electronics package comprises a package substrate, and a first die coupled to the package substrate. In an embodiment, a cavity is formed through the package substrate. In an embodiment, the cavity is within a footprint of the first die. In an embodiment, the electronics package further comprises a thermal stack in the cavity. In an embodiment, the thermal stack contacts the first die.