Ring of death

But if modders have fixed it, why hasn't Microsoft?

Well, lately they've been trying - some gamers who have returned their Xboxes to Microsoft in recent months have received their consoles back with the addition of a second internal GPU heatsink to help keep it cool, though there's no word on whether that's a revision that's in the current production models, too. Microsoft says, "Regularly updating console components is commonplace within the industry and is a standard aspect of the business for a variety of reasons including cost reduction, improved manufacturability and improved performance. We do not provide details on these updates."

Microsoft also refused to comment on the Elite 360's new hardware revision. It's black and has the obvious external addition of an HDMI port and bigger hard drive, but internally there are other alterations. The Elite gives the processors a little more space and douses the edges and corners of both the GPU and CPU with strong epoxy in an attempt to stop warping from breaking the contacts between chip and motherboard. Sadly, the X-Clamped heatsinks are still in and the console still uses very similar 90 nanometer processor and graphics chips to the current 360. It's not the fix that the machine needs, but the Elite should be sturdier than the current model.

If you can't crack open your machine and replace the heatsink's problem X-Clamps (and few can), the best you can do to protect your console is to keep the machine as cool as possible. Run the 360 upright to maximize the exposed surface area, keep it well-ventilated and move the red-hot power brick as far from the console as possible. Don't put your 360 in a little slot under the TV, and don't put it alongside anything else that's likely to get warm. Make sure the rear of the machine has at least six inches of clearance from any obstructions. A closed, glass-fronted cabinet is an oven for the 360.

Many Xbox owners have found they can bring their machines back from the dead by wrapping it in a towel, obstructing the vents and turning it on for fifteen minutes, or by pointing a heat gun directly at the processor for a while.

Both methods are quite reasonable in theory. The 360 uses rubbish lead-free solder which has a much lower melting point than good old-fashioned poisoning-inducing solder. By inducing the console to overheat, it's possible to melt the solder and re-attach the chips to the board. Unfortunately, you're left with poor contacts that will very likely fail at some point down the line unless you're one of the few who are able to modify the console internally. Better to get the machine completely replaced as soon as possible.

And if it breaks in the mean time?

Get your 'Box replaced by calling Microsoft at 1-800-4MY-XBOX. As you'd expect, they have a prompt returns policy, and will collect it by mail and return your console within two weeks. Remember, Microsoft has a brand-new three-year warranty, with all fees covered.

After phoning to organize your repair, remember to register a complaint in writing - the more formal complaints Microsoft receives, the sooner you should be able to buy a reliable console.