just like the subject suggests... should I replace the stock TIM with some AS5?
if anyone has already done this, please post results as I am eager to know

Thanks

Assuming that you are replacing the stock cooler with one that is not going to deafen you then yes, why not.

I think AS5 is overrated. Any GOOD thermal grease will do. I've used AC5 and the tube that came with my Thermalright cooler(s) (I had a GPU cooler on the last card), and there was NO noticeable change in temps. Plus with AC5 you are supposed to reapply it every year.

Like the Monkey said, unless you are replacing the cooler, don't bother. Or if you are having heat issues, sometimes the stock coolers aren't installed correctly at the factory, very uncommon but it's happened.

I do not have an aftermarket cooler (would like to purchase one) but I was just going to re-use the stock cooler... I already own the tube of as5, depending on the general consensus.

Current temp's for the card @ idle:
41c, and about 57c load @ 60% fan speed(antec p180 cools it nice).
thats with FEAR combat, Crysis will push the temp up around 65-70c

I was poking around on some other forums and the amnt of thermal grease used by the original manufacturer was totally excessive.

Those are actually good temps for the stock 8800GT cooler. My GTS gets up to about 65max on intense games and sits at 49-51C idle depending on the weather in my room.