Several Web-based reports began to surface yesterday, claiming that Microsoft has started installing second heatsinks into defective Xbox 360 units sent back to the company for repair. This rumour was of particular interest to owners of the console, because overheating is touted as the main cause of the dreaded "Red Rings of Death" problem that has prematurely ended the life of many an Xbox 360 – including our very own.

Even after two years of the issue seemingly prevalent amongst gamers, no one really knows for sure what causes the dreaded technological illness. However, if adding an additional heatsink to the hardware is Microsoft’s attempt to alleviate the symptoms of the RRoD then the Redmond-based giant is being mighty quiet about it, as exemplified in the following statement – which perhaps ranks of one of the vaguest of all time:

"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."

Just spit it out!