Embodiments disclosed herein include electronic packages and thermal solutions for such electronic packages. In an embodiment, an electronic package comprises, a package substrate with a first surface, a second surface opposite from the first surface, and a sidewall surface connecting the first surface to the second surface. In an embodiment, the electronic package further comprises a heat spreader, where a first portion of the heat spreader is attached to the first surface of the package substrate and a second portion of the heat spreader is attached to the second surface of the package substrate. In an embodiment, a third portion of the heat spreader adjacent to the sidewall surface of the package substrate connects the first portion of the heat spreader to the second portion of the heat spreader.