1

                                   EXHIBIT 23
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                              DATED MARCH 20, 1998

 2



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
CDW Computer Centers, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-XXXXX) of our reports dated
January 22, 1998, on our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements  and
financial  statement  schedule of CDW Computer Centers,  Inc. as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997,  1996, and 1995, which
reports are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Chicago, Illinois
March 20, 1998