I've experienced this problem with Intel NUC model NUC5CPYH using both Ubuntu Server 14.04.2 and Ubuntu Server 15.04.
After completing the installation (which in my experience is best done from an external CD drive, as I also had difficulties with installation from USB), the new Ubuntu installation boots but at the point where the screen tries to switch modes (though not to a full GUI, which isn't used by Ubuntu Server) it crashes. The crash appears to be total, not just a display failure. I was using VGA rather than HDMI if this is relevant.
I found a solution - see below.