I have acted as Legal Counsel to Benchmark Electronics, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to common shares, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”), which will be issued and issuable with respect of equity-based compensation awards granted pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and 2000 Stock Awards Plan (collectively, the “Plans”).

I have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents that I considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. In such examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to me as copies.

I am admitted to practice in the State of Texas, and I express no opinion as to matters governed by any law other than the laws of the State of Texas and the Federal laws of the United States of America.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth herein and having due regard for such legal considerations as I deemed relevant, I am of the opinion that the Shares have been duly and validly authorized and when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Plans, for a consideration at least equal to the par value thereof, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

	Very truly yours,

	/s/ Kenneth S. Barrow
	Kenneth S. Barrow
	Vice President and General Counsel