I have been interested in learning IT forensics and Kali seemed like a great tool to try out although every attempt I have made to install it has failed. Maybe my hardware is not compatible? (980ti, i7-5820k) IF that is the case, which distro should I look at getting? I'll be wanting to do penetration testing with it.

I'm not very experienced with linux so trying to avoid unnecessary headaches.

If you choose Kali Linux with Xfce desktop, it is not demanding much resources. So where does it fail? You can also try installing it in a virtual machine, such as VMware Player.

After installation completes successfully, it wont boot up it just hangs on a black screen with flashing cursor so I thought it might be a hardware issue. I will try using it with a virtual machine thanks for your suggestion.

https://www.linuxmint.com/

http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=chaletos

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I suggest that you set up <<Linux>> in a virtual machine, under VirtualBox (a free virtual-machine monitor backed by none other than Oracle Corporation ...), and strongly consider keeping it there. VM's run extremely efficiently these days, and you don't have to disrupt your existing operating-environment in order to run one. "Which distro?" Heck, VM's are free, so set up several of 'em and try 'em out.

Is there something printed on screen, or just plain black?

How did you make that determination?

My best advice:
Don't step up if you can't keep up.

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The blank screen may be caused by connected devices and/or their drivers. Try removing those if possible and see if it improves the situation. But testing in a virtual machine is still a good idea.

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At the "flashing cursor" does: [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[F2] or ...[F1] work and did GRUB install successfully?

Kali isn't necessarily meant to be installed. Does it work when booting from a live CD/USB/etc? You can setup persistence on a live USB to keep changes. Plenty of walkthroughs out there to set it up.

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big+billion !

(my $0.02)

If you would like to learn Forensics / Ethical Hacking do not install or use Kali. Kali is insecure to use especially as an installed system, it is designed to use from a live usb/cd disc and used when required.

However to truly learn, install a well known secure distribution (something like *buntu, fedora, slackware or Arch which ever you prefer). Install packages that you require, Kali has many many applications installed that you will never use. With the linux installation you will learn linux as well as forensics.

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Well worth the

All those "tools" could be your worst enemy if you get an intruder... we are the keepers.

If Jeremy got a penny for every similar thread like this, he would be a trillionare.