Ubuntu 18.4 install freezes on grub install

I just got a new Omen Obelisk with an SSD and HDD. I have loaded Ubuntu on other machines before. However, this one has me stumped. I tried 19.4 and then 18.4 to no avail. Each time I get the same exact issue: install freezes when the Grub2 bootloader is being installed. Cursor freezes. No access to terminal. No way to get any other details.

Details:
I am choosing to load root on the SSD (no swap partition) and /Home on the HDD. There is a Windows EFI partition on the SSD and I'm indicating to the installer that this is where the Ubuntu one should reside as well.
The USB is correctly installed via Rufus to use EFI. I've double checked the files to make sure.
Safe Boot is disabled (otherwise, it wont allow the USB drive at the top of the boot list.)
I've tried with and without WiFi enabled.
I've tried with and without "download updates"
I've tried with and without the proprietary driver downloads.
I'm using pci=noacpi and nomodeset in my startup (manually typed in each time.)
Both disk drives are massive with plenty of space. The USB stick is 60GB.

I've tried using the Boot Repair application after a failure and it also crashes when it tries to re-install Grub. Locks up the screen, keyboard, and mouse.

Note: one odd thing...after the crashes, the case fans start to speed up like the CPU is running overtime. Not sure if that means anything.

My goal is an Ubuntu dual boot where Windows is there as a spare tire, just like my last desktop. I'm worried I'll be stuck using Windows because HP has managed to build a machine immune to Linux.