Linux Ubuntu install problem: freezing on format

I'm installing Ubuntu on my new computer, and it keeps locking up either when it starts formatting my hard drive, or during the hard drive format. It's stopped at anywhere from 7% done to 32% done. I've got Ubuntu version 5.04 for AMD 64, and my system specs are as follows:

DFI NF4 Ultra (non SLI)
AMD 64 4000+ (San Diego)
ATI X700 Pro (256 MB version)
Corsair 2x 1 GB PC3200 XMS
Netgear Wireless G
Antec Phantom 500
Aopen slot-load DVD drive
Samsung Spinpoint 120 (SATA)

I've gotten the furthest on the format with my ram severely underclocked: The 32% was with my ram running at 200 Mhz instead of its default 400. Also, I was having BSODs while installing Windows at default ram speeds. It finally installed at 300 Mhz. (I still need my Wintendo, unfortunatley. Linux will be taking over as my desktop/web browser.)

(edit) I think it's the hard drive... the system won't boot into Windows. It either freezes on the loading Windows screen, or simply says "disk read error: press ctrl-alt-del to restart". (/edit)

 

Sounds rather odd, like you say could be the HD, but maybe also the RAM, have you tried running memtest86 on it for a few hours?

 

Can you test your RAM in another (known-to-work) machine?

I wound up having to RMA my motherboard on this machine after a month; testing the RAM in another machine got it isolated as the mobo rather than the RAM.

Good luck!