1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-20771) pertaining to the Alpha Microsystems 1993 Employee Stock
Option Plan, as amended, the 1996 Nonemployee Director Stock Compensation Plan
and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8
No. 2-9252) pertaining to the Third Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option
Plan, the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the Stock Incentive Award Plan,
and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-62411) pertaining to the 1993
Employee Stock Option Plan and 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan of Alpha
Microsystems of our report dated April 11, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Alpha Microsystems included in
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 23, 1997.


                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Orange County, California
May 22, 1997