Difference in power transfer with gear location

[deuel18]

I'd like to know if there's a power transfer loss depending on how gears are connected and placed relative to each other. For the two distinct image down below, imagine ALL GEARS HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME DIAMETERS and the setup is such that the viewers are seeing the top (aerial view) and the gears are laid flat horizontally. Does anyone know?

 

[Baluncore]

I'd like to know if there's a power transfer loss depending on how gears are connected and placed relative to each other.

Because the contact angle between gear tooth faces is between 15° and 25°, there is a force pushing the gears apart. That side thrust must be countered in the bearings. If you design gear layout so most of those side thrusts cancel, then you can increase the efficiency of the mechanism.