The base 64GB version of the Steam Deck might be cheap, but game load times are longer and it can't fit modern games ... but this nevertheless has no practical bearing on performance and load times.
Buy components and assemble your computer! Also, the Steam Deck is increasingly unable to play hot new games like Space Marine 2 and Silent Hill 2 Scorn! Pumpkin Jack! Killing Floor 2! Doom! Bioshock!