EXHIBIT 23.1 [PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD] CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of SBE, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated November 20, 1997, except for Note 13 as to which the date is December 15, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of SBE, Inc. as of October 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP San Francisco, California October 16, 1998 10