Exhibit 32.2

      CERTIFICATION PURSUANT SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

      In connection with the quarterly  report of Bell  Microproducts  Inc. (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended  September 30, 2004 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, James E. Illson, Chief
Financial Officer of the Company,  certify,  pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  ss.1350,  as
adopted pursuant to ss.906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

      (1)   The Report fully complies with the  requirements of Section 13(a) or
            15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

      (2)   The  information  contained in the Report  fairly  presents,  in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of the Company.

November 9, 2004                                         /s/ James E. Illson
                                                         Chief Financial Officer