Thanks Mike, for the kind words and afterburner advise.
Well I put the card back in and as soon as the PC booted the screen was great again, so all the correct drivers and personalization stayed.
I monitored the card for a couple minutes and the fan never came on, and it got hot - quick.
Luckily I didn't toss the old fan parts yet. Checking the 2 pin connector, the + &- were opposite of the new fan. Figured out how to switch the pins (without breaking anything), plugged it back in, reinstalled the card and PRESTO - it's working like a (whisper quiet) champ!
I opened the Afterburner app and everything was set on low and auto, so I didn't mess with the fan speed, or anything (hopefully I'll get another potential 5-6 years again).
This is the first time I ever opened Afterburner - had no clue what to do anyway!
I just want to thank everyone who helped and/or took an interest. If something like this happens again, I know now I've got alternative options.
It's great to know you all are here, THANKS!