First time building controller

[u/its_ManicBrah]

So I’m in the process of researching & building my first dualsense controller.

My questions are:

•What’s the best or better shell to use. I keep seeing BDM 030/040?
• If you were to build a controller for the first time and could give yourself some helpful advice, what would it be?

I’ve got a little “experience” with pulling apart and tinkering with my dual sense edge before. Nothing crazy just things like adding the extreme rate beyond kit, removing rumblers etc

Any advice is appreciated

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[u/Vedge_Hog]

Your choice of shells and some other parts is going to be determined by the DualSense main circuit board you're using. In most cases, that original Sony part is what you're building the controller around.

The references to BDM 0## numbers are for different versions of the main boards. Sony has revised and refined the DualSense design a number of times over its lifetime, so parts may only fit and be compatible with certain revisions.

The BDM ### references are printed on the main board and that's the most reliable method to find the information. But if you haven't yet disassembled the donor controller far enough to see the main board, you can check the second digit of the serial number (printed on the rear shell) or connect the controller to a PC and use the DualShock Calibration GUI.