Syrillian Forever Remembered

            Cancer is a faceless killer with no conscience or morals, inflicting victims indiscriminately regardless of age and ethnicity. One day, you are at the top with the world in your palms but the next, you are having night sweats and intolerable pains out the blue. At first you brush it off, thinking you were just tired and it will eventually go away. But as time goes by, your condition progressively gets worse and decide to pay the doctor a visit. After a battery of tests of blood tests, MRIs and CT scans, the doctor speaks to you in a low, soft voice -almost a whisper- and stoically gives you your diagnosis: terminal cancer. Initially, you vehemently deny the truth and demand to get retested but deep down, you realize the diagnosis was accurate, explaining all the symptoms you are experiencing. Then all emotions are let loose in front of the doctor with uncontrollable sobbing and tears of anger and sadness rolling down your face. I must admit, the narrative I wrote somewhat portrays a typical movie scene out of Hollywood.

Syrillian, the great man himself.

In reality, I’ve known two people, my grandpa and Syrillian, another outstanding person on overclock.net, who have fought against cancer and lost. I have to believe there was a level of sadness involved but both men stood strong in light of their situations for they were role models to their families and acquaintances. Since this blog is Syrillian, I figured I will mention some of his extraordinary talents and endless contributions to the forum. I haven’t met him personally or even contacted him in any way so the information on his background is pretty limited. As a child, Mr. Daniel Costin moved around as a child from India to Hong Kong, living there most of his childhood. Later he joined the Marines where he served for some time and as a member on the forums, he always had that sense of professionalism and respect towards other members. He would intentionally go out of his way to help another member through tips on computer case building to actually mailing some nuts and bolts. Mr. Costin was a master of computer case modding, creating unique case designs that flowed in his mind out of scratch. Everything was done by hand; the guru would cut, drill and polish his own parts. Since I don’t know what case is made of aside from aluminum or steel, I won’t say much other than it takes a master to create a masterpiece. On one of his many builds, one particular one, dubbed “Silentium” made its way on the cover of CPU magazine. It’s truly a work of art and I can’t begin to imagine the dedication and man-hours placed in a project. In March 2011, he was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine lung cancer with symptoms of excruciating pain, depression and night sweats as early as January of the same year. He remained strong in his battle, splitting what little time he had with health problems to the website, trying to answer all well-wishers. Sadly, he passed away in August where the entire overclock.net community banded together to help the cause either by donating their computing power or funds, in honor of Syrillian. Mr. Costin, considered a legend on the forums, will live in memory of the hearts and minds of overclockers everywhere. Semper Fidelis, Syr.

"Silentium," constructed out of imagination and hard work, is displayed on the cover of CPU magazine in 2009.