Vintage computer piece?

[Axl_Bundy]

I got this a while back and was wondering if anyone has any idea what it is?
I assume it is from a vintage computer or electronic device.

Any idea what the metal is on picture 2 on the right? They look like little "blocks". They fall off fairly easy.

 

[solar_plasma]

Maybe a thermoelectric cooling?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling

...the german wiki says there is

(Bismut-Tellurid, Silizium-Germanium)

in it

 

[Woodworker1997]

That does look like a TEC.

Derek

 

[kkmonte]

Yea I was going to say a pellitier heat pump type thing.

 

[Claudie]

It looks like a peltier element to me. How big is it? Where did you find it? You can use those to generate electrical current.

 

[solar_plasma]

Maybe a thermoelectric cooling?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling

:lol: First!

 

[resabed01]

That heat sink is either anodized aluminum or gold plated copper. You can easily tell by it's weight.

 

[Axl_Bundy]

That heat sink is either anodized aluminum or gold plated copper. You can easily tell by it's weight.

It's heavy as heck. I gave it a little scratch and it's copper underneath.

 

[Axl_Bundy]

Is it safe to say that this would be a "vintage" piece?

Thanks for all the help.
Ian

 

[Claudie]

Vintage by definition, when not referring to wine, usually means a time. For example, if that were made in 1991, it would be 1991 vintage.
It really looks like a Peltier Element to me, here is an example of one listed on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-PELTIER-THERMOELECTRIC-COOLER-ELEMENTS-40MMX40MM-/360665434944?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item53f955cb40
Here is a page explaining a little about them, IF that is what it is: http://pcbheaven.com/wikipages/The_Peltier_Thermo-Element/
As far as collector value, I have no idea. The term "Vintage" is used very loosely these days, especially on ebay.

 

[pimpneightez]

Looks like it comes out of electric refridgerators.